3D motion in magnetic actuator modelling

This paper deals with magnetic actuator modelling in 3D, taking into account movement and circuit coupling with the finite element method. A new method has been developed to account for movement in 3D (rotation about an axis or translation). The new method has been implemented in the FLUX 3D application software and validated on an existing E-shaped magnetic actuator. A coil is supplied with DC voltage through a switch. When the switch is on, the current rises, and the blade moves to close the air gap. A specific new feature allows users to designate the fixed part, the mobile part (in translation or in rotation), and the compressible part. The computation results have been compared with measurements, showing a good agreement.