AC contactor motion computed with coupled electromagnetic and structural finite elements

An alternating current relay contactor is analyzed using coupled electromagnetic and structural finite elements, The structural finite elements include a nonlinear spring for the relay contact arms. The electromagnetic finite elements include 2D nonlinear elements for the steel laminations and aluminum shading ring, as well as 1D and 0D elements for the voltage-driven coil windings and end-turn inductance. The computed current and motion of the actuator are in good agreement with measurements.