An analytical method to predict the static performance of a planar actuator

An analytical method for predicting the three-dimensional (3-D) magnetic flux density distribution in the air gap produced by permanent magnets of an electromagnetic planar actuator, was developed. The analytical 3-D model was validated by means of a finite-element model and by measurements. It allowed the understanding of the behavior of the flux density in the air gap and predicting the values of the involved forces.