Simulation of Electromechanical Actuators Using the Finite Integration Technique

The coupling methods allow the use of two independent meshes for mobile and fixed armature within the simulation of an electrical machine. The technique is applicable when the air gap is cylindrical or planar for a rotational or translational device respectively. Hence, the modeling of the movement of particular magnetic relays or plungers is not possible with this technique. Although both meshes are independent, it is recommended that big differences in the grid resolution are avoided. This ensures that the interpolation error is acceptable and also that the FIT stiffness matrix structure is not significantly altered. The coupling by trigonometric interpolation leads to more accurate results than computed to the coupling by linear interpolation, but requires also substantially more computational time. The force calculation is carried out at a surface in the middle of the air gap. The accuracy of the field values is improved by computing local analytical solutions relaying upon FFTs. The more accurate field values leads to better results for the forces. The simulation of electromechanical system with body motion is possible, and mechanical and electromagnetical damping effect can be considered. The coupling techniques allow to calculate cylindrical and linear machines.