Magnetic Actuator Design for Maximizing Force Using Level Set Based Topology Optimization

Abstract

To obtain weight reduction and high performance, using level set based topology optimization in magnetic fields is promising for the design of magnetic actuators where the precise boundary shape and topological changes are required. This paper addresses a novel scheme to design the optimal configuration of a magnetic actuator for maximizing the actuating force applied at the location where the motion being controlled. Level set function is introduced to represent ferromagnetic material boundaries and material properties of the magnetic reluctivity are determined. The optimization problem is formulated for maximizing the actuating force to a specified direction under limited usage of ferromagnetic material. The topological change analysis is performed to introduce holes and the movement of implicit material boundaries is driven by speed functions that govern the level set propagation. The proposed method is applied to design C-core actuator. It is summarized that the optimal design provides higher magnetic force and less material usage than the initial design.