Electromagnetic Modeling of a Novel Linear Oscillating Actuator

Single-phase linear oscillating actuators (LOAs) produce short-stroke reciprocating motion, and, thus, have many applications. Feasible pole/tooth number combinations for single-phase tubular moving-magnet LOAs are identified and results from a study on a 2-pole LOA equipped with an E-cored stator, and quasi-Halbach magnetized and radially magnetized magnets, respectively, are presented. It is shown that a quasi-Halbach magnetized LOA, in which the magnets are mounted on a ferromagnetic support tube, results in the best electromagnetic performance. Finally, its predicted thrust force characteristic is validated by measurements on a prototype actuator.