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Ansys Maxwell Actuators

Course Overview

The Maxwell Actuators course explores simulation techniques to speed up the design of linear and rotary actuators and solenoids.  The course will guide you through best practices for static and transient parametric studies to optimize actuators, and it will show the benefits of the Distributed Solve Option.  Maxwell Actuators also demonstrates how to set-up multi-domain system models and simulations involving magnetic, mechanical, thermal and circuit simulations. Specific techniques for actuator simulation are explained. These techniques include the mapping of side load forces as a function of eccentricity and airgap length, the calculation of remanent forces due to remanent fields using the Vector Hysteresis Model, and the calculation of forces at zero mechanical air gap. For fast-acting actuators, the course also shows how to include magnetic diffusion in the simulations to accurately predict time-delays in the build-up of flux and current, and hence force.

Prerequisites

  • Engineering level knowledge of magnetics and transformers
  • Experience with Ansys Maxwell such as the Maxwell Getting Started course

Teaching Method

Lectures and computer practical sessions to validate acquired knowledge. A training certificate is provided to all attendees who complete the course.

Learning Outcome

Following completion of this course, you will be able to:

Simulate specific actuator phenomena in Maxwell including:

  • Effects of eddy currents: magnetic diffusion
  • Side loading due to armature eccentricity
  • Remanent flux

 Available Dates

Learning Options

Training materials for this course are available with an Ansys Learning Hub Subscription. If there is no active public schedule available, private training can be arranged. Please contact us.

Agenda

This is a 1 day classroom course covering both lectures and workshops. For virtual training, this course is covered over 3 x 2 hour sessions lectures and demonstration of selected workshop steps.

Virtual Classroom Session 1

  • Module 0: Actuators & Solenoids
  • Lecture 0: Actuator methodology, Static and Transient
    • Modeling magnetics with FEA
    • Translational Motion
    • Material Definitions
    • Losses in Maxwell
  • Workshop 0: Actuator Example – Start to Finish
    • Create Model
    • Set Up and Analyze Simulation
    • Static and Transient Calculation
  • Module 1: Effects of eddy currents
  • Lecture 1: Effects of Magnetic Field Diffusion

Virtual Classroom Session 2

  • Module 1: Effects of eddy currents (cont’d)
  • Workshop 1: Maxwell 2D Static and Transient Solution Techniques
    • Static Curves: Force vs Gap vs Current
    • Impact of modify the pole shape
    • Modification of geometry: Cup-cone form
    • Transient study
    • Transient study using Circuit
  • Module 2: Side Loading
  • Lecture 2: Side Loading Due to Armature Eccentricity
  • Workshop 2: Maxwell 3D Side Loading Force
    • Static eccentricity (Offset)
    • Axial Tilt

Virtual Classroom Session 3

  • Module 3: Remanence
  • Lecture 3: Remanent Flux
  • Workshop 3: Remanent Flux Using Vector Hysteresis
  • Module 4: Optimetrics & DX
  • Lecture 4: (no lecture for this section)
  • Workshop 4: Optimization Studies & Design Explorer (DX)
    • Force versus Stroke
    • Optimize pole shape using DX