The influence of magnetization pattern on the performance of a cylindrical moving-magnet linear actuator

This paper is concerned with the influence of the magnetization process on the performance of a cylindrical moving-magnet linear actuator, specifically the extent to which actuator performance, in terms of force-stroke profile, is compromised by the use of homopolar magnetized ring magnets. Finite element modeling of both an ideal radially magnetized ring magnet and a ring magnet on which the magnetization has been imparted by an impulse magnetization fixture is performed, and the results are validated by experimental measurements on a prototype actuator.