Optimized design and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis of a rotary actuator

Author

McCann, Roy A. ; Suriano, John R.

Author_Institution

ITT Autom. Body & Electr. Syst., Dayton, OH, USA

Volume

32

Issue

4

fYear

1996

Firstpage

867

Lastpage

872

Abstract

Automotive vacuum actuation systems are being replaced by electromechanical actuators. Extremes of temperature and fluctuating voltage supply complicate the use of electrical apparatus in such applications. Minimal cost and continuous duty operation constraints drive the optimization process. The design and analysis of a variable reluctance rotary actuator is presented for 12-V automotive applications. A simple linear model is used for optimization of the magnetic coil dimensions. Fringe effects and nonlinear magnetics are modeled with a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element model. Output torque computed with the model is compared to prototype device test results. The effects on different steel grades are examined

Keywords

automotive electronics; electric actuators; finite element analysis; machine theory; magnetic fields; optimisation; reluctance motors; 12 V; 3D finite element analysis; automotive actuation systems; automotive applications; continuous duty operation; electromechanical actuators; fringe effects; linear model; magnetic coil dimensions optimisation; nonlinear magnetics; optimization process; steel grades; variable reluctance rotary actuator; Actuators; Automotive engineering; Constraint optimization; Cost function; Design optimization; Finite element methods; Process design; Temperature; Vacuum systems; Voltage fluctuations;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-9994

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/28.511643

Filename

511643