2D and 3D Modelling of U-shape Electromechanical Actuators for Mechatronic Applications

In mechatronic apparatuses, U-shape electromechanical components are used either for force actuators (active behaviour) or as damping devices (active or semi-active behaviour). In this paper a comparison between 2D and 3D numerical analysis of different U-shape actuators based on local, as magnetic flux density distributions, and on integral parameters, as forces and inductances, is performed; calculations are then compared with experimental results. The aim of the presented research is to help the designer in choosing the best numerical approach showing limitations and advantages of 2D and 3D modelling.