  Superconducting accelerator magnets require sophisticated monitoring and
means of protection due to the large energy stored in the magnetic field.
Numerical simulations play a crucial role in understanding transient phenomena
occurring within the magnet, and can, therefore, help to prevent disruptive
consequences. We present a 2-D FEM model for the simulation of electro-thermal
transients occurring in superconducting accelerator magnets. The
magnetoquasistatic problem is solved with a modified magnetic vector potential
formulation, where the cable eddy currents are resolved in terms of their
equivalent magnetization. The heat balance equation is then investigated, and
the relevant heat sources are discussed. The model implements a two-port
component interface and is resolved, as part of an electrical circuit, in a
cooperative simulation scheme with a lumped-parameter network.
