Coupled nonlinear electromagnetic and structural finite element analysis of an actuator excited by an electric circuit

A finite element technique is described that allows arbitrary electric circuits to be included in a fully coupled structural and electromagnetic nonlinear transient analysis. Displacements computed versus time for a typical solenoid actuator are shown to be compatible with available measurements and with simple circuit theory for a voltage excitation. Current waveforms are shown to be affected by friction occurring when the armature rebounds.<
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