Electromagnetic design optimization of a powder aligning fixture for a compression-molded anisotropic NdFeB ring magnet

The paper describes the design optimization of an electromagnet for aligning anisotropic NdFeB powder during the compression molding of a two-pole ring magnet. The optimization method makes extensive use of both two- and three-dimensional magnetostatic finite-element analysis in order to demonstrate the influence of various design features on the performance of the electromagnet and the limitations of two-dimensional analysis. Measurements on a prototype powder-aligning system validate the optimization method. Index Terms--Finite-element methods, neodymium alloys, permanent magnets, powdered magnetic materials.