Paying Tribute to Finite Element Field Computation Pioneer

MVK Chari, a pioneer in finite element field computation, died on 3 December. The IEEE Life Fellow was 97.Chari developed a finite element method (FEM) for analyzing nonlinear electromagnetic fields—which is crucial for the design of electric machines. The technique is used to obtain approximate solutions to complex engineering and mathematical problems. It involves dividing a complicated object or system into smaller, more manageable parts, known as finite elements, according to Fictiv.As an engineer and technical leader at General Electric in Niskayuna, N.Y., Chari used the tool to analyze large turbogenerators for end region analysis, starting with 2D and expanding its use over time to quasi-2D and 3D.During his 25 years at GE, he established a team that was developing finite element analysis (FEA) tools for a variety of applications across the company. They ranged from small motors to large MRI magnets.Chari received the 1993 IEEE Nikola Tesla Award for “pioneering contributio