Near-Optimal Design and 3-D Finite Element Analysis of Multiple Sets of Radial Magnetic Couplings

Multiple sets of magnetic couplings are widely used in many industrial applications. Accurate analysis and efficient optimal design are essential to avoid costly trials. We present an example of simultaneously optimizing two sets of radial magnetic couplings with 3-D finite-element analysis (FEA) modeling. First, we list the preliminary design specifications and set up a simplified mathematical model with novel criteria. We then establish an FEA model. Finally, we implement an optimizing strategy consisting of the 3-D FEA, the design of experiments (DOE), and an exhaust algorithm in a small range to obtain the near-optimal parameter set. This strategy increased efficiency by about 99.4% with sufficient accuracy, compared with the method of exhaustion without DOE. The optimizing strategy can also be employed in various similar industrial applications.