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Actuators

Some specific applications of actuators:

Motors:

• Brushless DC Motors:

  For brushless DC motor simulation it is usually sufficient to conduct a 2D analysis with MAGNETO . If it is necessary to include the effects of flux leakage at the ends of the motor, then AMPERES should be used.

• Induction Motors:

  For induction motor simulation it is usually sufficient to conduct a 2D analyis with OERSTED . If it is necessary to include the effects of flux leakage at the ends of the motor, then FARADAY should be used.

Solenoids

Solenoids are typically DC magnetic fields and rotational symmetric geometry, and are thus well suited to MAGNETO for magnetic analysis. For cases with significant non-rotational symmetric effects, AMPERES should be used instead.

If there are significant transient effects (e.g. due to motion of the plunger), then the programs to use are OERSTED (2D) and FARADAY (3D).

To model electric problems (e.g. potential for breakdown around the coils), then the programs to use are ELECTRO (2D) and COULOMB (3D).

To model thermal problems (e.g. finding hot spots), then the programs to use are KELVIN (2D/RS) and CELSIUS (3D).

Voice Coil Motors:

• Hard Disk Read-Write Actuator Arm:

  AMPERES is recommended, as the configuration of the permanent magnets requires a full 3D analysis.

• Loudspeakers:

  Conventional dynamic cone loudspeakers can usually be analyzed using a MAGNETO RS model. More exotic shapes may require AMPERES , and loudspeakers employing electrostatic forces may require ELECTRO or COULOMB . The Boundary Element Method has a particular advantage for this application because of its ability to generate extremely accurate air gap field analyses.

Simulations using INTEGRATED software permit determination of actuator forces and/or torques as well as equivalent circuit parameters.