Thrust analysis and measurements of tubular linear actuator with cylindrical Halbach array

This paper deals with design and analysis of the moving-magnet linear actuator with cylindrical Halbach array. On the basis of two- dimensional (2-D) finite-element analysis, this paper predicts thrust characteristics according to design parameters such as magnet height, air-gap length, coil thickness, and pole number. Then, we manufactured equipment made on an experimental basis of moving-magnet linear actuator with cylindrical Halbach array by employing parameters obtained from design results. Finally, this paper presents test results such as thrust measurements, which are given to confirm the finite-element analysis, according to load current and mover position. Index Terms--Cylindrical Halbach array, moving-magnet linear actuator, thrust measurements, 2-D finite-element analysis.