Two-dimensional finite element analysis of a high force density linear switched reluctance machine including three-dimensional effects

This paper presents results of a finite element analysis (FEA) study on the high force density linear switched reluctance motor. Analytical study by means of electric circuit analog of the same motor was presented earlier by the author (1995). For this refined analysis, two-dimensional (2D) FEA is used along with a novel way of accounting for three-dimensional (3D) effects. It is shown that with minimal 3D finite element modeling, the 2D finite element model can be used to satisfactorily include the third dimensional effects due to end turns and short stack length relative to the motor axial length. Finite element analysis results are presented and compared with measured results. Comparison with measured forces shows the effectiveness of the model.