Design, experiments and multidisciplinary optimization of 2 degrees-of-freedom electromagnetic actuator for application in space vibration isolation. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yun, Yuan; Wang, Lyu; Zhang, Bin; Tian, Yao; Zhang, Tao
• Is Part Of: Advances in mechanical engineering. Volume 9:Number 12(2017:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Finite element analysis -- multidisciplinary optimization -- magnetic field distribution -- experimental test -- design optimization; Mechanical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1687814017745675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8132

Abstract

Considering space environmental requirements, a multidisciplinary optimization of a 2 degrees-of-freedom micro linear actuator is carried out to improve the overall performance of a nested flying vehicle in this article. To achieve high-quality microgravity environment, a nested flying vehicle is designed that can be operated inside the Space Station. The electromagnetic actuators are utilized to control the position and posture of the experiment device while the exterior structure is following the movement of the inner system. Each actuator is designed to generate vertical and horizontal forces at the same time. The actuator is composed of two permanent magnets, a 2 degrees-of-freedom coil on a printed circuit board and a steel back yoke. Due to the complexity of structure parameters modification, the geometry, the structural model, electromagnetism model, and multidisciplinary analysis process are integrated based on ModelCenter framework. In this case, the structural model is established using ANSYS/APDL. The electromagnetic analysis is performed by the magnetics postprocessing. The OPTLIB Gradient Optimizer, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II, and Design Explorer for multidisciplinary optimization with constraints are utilized for validation mutually. In view of the optimization results, compared with the prototype design based on experience, the width of the back yoke, the weight of actuator, and the residual force have been reduced by 23%, 50%, and 62% while the output forces resulted in an acceptable range.