Comparison between NEM and FEM in 2-D magnetostatics using an error estimator

This communication deals with a comparison between two methods of discretization: the well known finite element method and the natural element method that is a meshless method. An error estimator, based on the nonverification of the constitutive law, is used. This estimation has been applied to two examples: a device with permanent magnets and a variable reluctance machine. Index Terms--Error estimation, finite element method, magnetostatics, natural element method.