Inhibition of iron loss of the inner yoke in electromagnetic linear actuator

The iron loss of inner yoke accounts for the majority of iron loss of an electromagnetic linear actuator (ELA). Therefore, the reduction of iron loss of inner yoke is of great importance to the reduction of iron loss of the whole ELA. This study investigates the formation mechanism and distribution law of ELA iron loss and proposes a reduction scheme by arranging groove structures in the inner yoke. The direction of groove arranged in inner yoke was determined based on the formation mechanism of inner yoke iron loss. Through simulation and calculation based on finite-element model of electromagnetic field, the authors investigated the effects of the number of grooves as well as groove width on the iron loss and performance of ELA. The optimal grooving scheme of ELA was determined by comprehensive analysis and analytic hierarchy process. Finally, block and static force tests were carried out based on ELA prototype. It was found that the simulation results were consistent with test results, indicating the accuracy of the simulation model.