Field based topology optimization of electromagnetic valve actuators
Research Task/Objectives
Electromagnetic valve actuators have a lot of design variables, a partly strong nonlinear
behaviour and are also on a high stage of development. Thus, a further advance is only reachable with great efforts. With the use of methods of the topology optimization it would be possible to enhance the efficiency of the development progress and also to discover innovative structures. In domains like the mechanics the topology optimization has already been in use. However, in the electromagnetics it has only been examined on a study level so far. Therefore, in this study the topology optimization has been adopted for the electromagnetics and has furthermore been upgraded gradually for both the boundary conditions and the targets regarding the requirements of electro-magnetic valve actuators.
Approach/Results
First of all, several optimization methods were implemented on a simple example in
a limited area. Therefore, a script based coupling between an optimizer and a FEM tool were in use. On this basis, an iterative expansion of scope with multiobjective targets took place, adaptions on valve specific criteria have been performed and extensions of the degrees of freedom were implemented. The industrial applicability was tested on reference models for deriving design measures to validate it on demonstrators. In comparison to the output solution the achievable improvement potential will be rated, whereby an improved actuator power and a more efficient material distribution is in the foreground.
The presented research activities are part of the project “Field based topology optimization of electromagnetic valve actuators” (Ref. No. 703450). The authors would like to thank the Fluid Power Research Fund of the VDMA for the funding and support.