Linear Switched Reluctance Actuator modelling with flux tubes considering saturation effects

The concept of flux tube can be applied to different simple elements that together describe the flux distribution in a complex magnetic device airgap. A linear switched reluctance actuator (LSRA) model based on a separation into a set of simple reluctance elements is here constructed and analysed. The model proposed in this paper gives very accurate results that can be used with advantages to optimise the device performance. Because the reluctance of those simple elements depends on physical dimensions, changes on device dimensions can be easily evaluated. Also, the proposed problem formulation takes into account the magnetic circuit saturation.