Motion Coupling in EMWORKS

Motion Coupling in EMWORKS

Motion coupling in EMWORKS links electromagnetic field solvers with mechanical motion (rotation and translation) of parts in the model. It is used for devices with moving components such as motors, actuators, solenoids, relays, position sensors, and transformers with moving cores or shunts.

It allows you to:

• Define prescribed motion (speed, position vs time, angle vs time) for selected parts

• Compute fields, forces, and torque on moving parts as they change position

• Use force/torque results to size drives, bearings, and mechanical supports

How Motion Coupling Works 

Motion coupling lets you assign motion (translation or rotation) to selected parts in the electromagnetic model and solve the fields at each position or time step.

• You define displacement, speed, angle, or position vs time for the moving parts.

• At each step, the solver updates the relative position of stator/rotor (or fixed/moving parts) and recomputes fields, forces, and torque.

• Results (e.g., flux, force, torque vs position or time) are then used to evaluate device performance, such as cogging torque in motors, force–stroke curves in actuators, or force on moving shunts in transformers.

Key Benefits of EMWORKS' Motion Coupling 

• Electromagnetic results vs position/time: Compute fields, force, and torque as parts move (e.g., rotor angle, plunger stroke, shunt position).

• Direct evaluation of electromechanical behavior: Extract torque–angle, force–stroke, cogging torque, detent force, and pull-in/pull-out characteristics.

• Single workflow for motion and fields: Set up motion in the same model used for electromagnetic analysis (linear or rotary motion, single or multiple movers).

• Support for common electromechanical devices: Motors, generators, linear and rotary actuators, relays, solenoids, contactors, and transformers with movable cores/shunts.

• Data for multiphysics: Use force/torque and loss vs time/position as input to mechanical, thermal, or system-level simulations.

Applications of EMWORKS' Motion Coupling 

Typical use cases:

• Electric motors and generators: Torque–angle, cogging torque, detent torque, torque ripple vs rotor position and current.

• Linear and rotary actuators / solenoids / relays / contactors: Force–stroke or force–angle curves, pull-in / drop-out behavior, response vs drive waveform.

• Transformers with movable cores or shunts: Effect of core/shunt position on flux, inductance, leakage, and losses.

• Electromagnetic brakes and clutches: Torque vs slip or position during engagement and release.

• Position and motion sensors: Field at Hall, magnetoresistive, or inductive sensors vs target position.

• Magnetic levitation and magnetic bearings: Lift force, stiffness, and stability vs gap and current.

• Electromagnetic launchers (railgun / coilgun) and actuated valves: Force on moving parts and projectile/valve position vs time under pulsed excitation.