NUMERICAL-SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF PLANAR ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATORS

The design rules and characterization of planar electromagnetic actuat ors are presented focusing on numerical force simulation and maximizat ion of efficiency. Theoretical simulations are carried out for circula r concentric, circular eccentric and rectangular concentric placements of the magnet with respect to the foil yielding the highest forces fo r the circular concentric arrangement. As a result larger magnets or l arger coils are not linked to higher forces in any case, thus an optim um magnet diameter for a given coil radius can be calculated and vice versa. With respect to the vertical distance of the coil to the magnet the optimum parameters are given. Dimensions and forces are derived i n generalized units to facilitate seating to other geometries. The sim ulations are excellently confirmed by experimental data of different c oils and magnets. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.