Electromagnetism

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Patricia Rousseaux, Benoît Vanderheyden

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In this course, we present the foundations for electrostatic, magnetic or electromagnetic fields. The notions are illustrated in the context of different applications, including wave propagation in transmission lines, in waveguides, or optical fibers.
The approach used is progressive: the concepts are first analyzed, interpreted, and illustrated in the context of a simplified application. The results are then exploited for solving more complex problems.
This approach puts forward the difficulties arising in: - manipulating the mathematical formalism (vector calculus, phasors, primitivation) - giving a physical interpretation of the studied phenomena - formulating and interpreting simplifying hypotheses - using different solving methods.
The following elements are studied:
fundamental equations of electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell equations, wave propagation in a dielectric medium, in a dissipative medium, transmission lines (frequency and temporal domains), waveguides.
Questions related to field diffusion (losses) in materials (eddy currents, skin effect), as well as polarization, are also adressed.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

To be able to:
- formulate the fundamental equations of electromagnetism and explain the underlying physics
- use algebra, vector calculus and primitivation methods that are necessary for solving electromagnetic problems
- decompose a complex problem into simpler ones while identifying the chain of cause/effect
- understand the main technical constraints arising in the design of electromagnetic systems.
The frequent practice of homework exercices enables the student to acquire the autonomy and easiness that are necessary for overcoming the difficulties of the course.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Parts of the course refer to basic notions of electrical circuit analysis. Notes recalling the needed basic concepts will be made available.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course includes "ex-cathedra" sessions (30 hours) and exercice sessions (30 hours).
The "ex-cathedra" sessions are devoted to the descripton of theoretical concepts, the presentation of the related mathematical concepts, and the description of the physics of the underlying mechanisms.
The exercice sessions consists in solving different problems, discussing different solving methods, as well as their limitations.
An elective problem-based test is organized mid-term (organizational details to be announced during the lectures).
An elective session of "Questions and answers" is suggested at the end of the quadrimester.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face

Recommended or required readings

• Main and compulsory sources:

Assessment methods and criteria

• Complementary homeworks:

• Mid-term test

• Exams:

• "theory" (50 %, 1h30), on the set of theory concepts seen in the "ex-cathedra" and the exercice sessions. Calculators are forbidden and a form is distributed.

• "problems" (50 %, 2h30), on exercices similar to those solved in the exercice sessions or those proposed in the complementary homeworks. Calculators are required and a form is distributed.

• "theory" (50 %, 1h30), on the set of theory concepts seen in the "ex-cathedra" and the exercice sessions. Calculators are forbidden and a form is distributed.

• "problems" (50 %, 2h30), on exercices similar to those solved in the exercice sessions or those proposed in the complementary homeworks. Calculators are required and a form is distributed.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course follows the schedule fixed by the Faculty: (http://www.facsa.ulg.ac.be).
For any other information, consult http://www.montefiore.ulg.ac.be/~vdh/elen0076.html

Contacts

"ex-cathedra" and problem  sessions:
Benoît Vanderheyden, B.Vanderheyden @ uliege.be ;

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