Shape optimization of solenoid actuator using the finite element method and numerical optimization technique

Abstract

This paper presents shape optimization of moving core type solenoid actuator driven by DC source. 3-D axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) is used for the electromagnetic field analysis and saturation effect of the magnetic material is considered. The mechanical dynamic equation and electrical circuit equation are also coupled. In the dynamic characteristic by FEM, we adapt a moving line technique to save computation time and to perform the process efficiently. Among the optimization algorithms, sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is carried out for the shape optimization. A good performance of optimized solenoid actuator has been verified through the experiment.