Force analysis of a solenoid actuator with I- and T-shaped plungers
Engineering Research Express, vol.8, no.12, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 8 Issue: 12
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1088/2631-8695/ae6f78
- Journal Name: Engineering Research Express
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Keywords: COMSOL multiphysics, linear actuators, magnetic flux, magnetic force, magnetic reluctance, simulation, solenoid actuator
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of two solenoid actuator geometries and explores the performance gains achieved by transitioning the classical I-shaped plunger to a flanged T-shaped plunger. A 2D axisymmetric finite element simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics was performed and coupled with analytical validation via magnetic circuit theory to analyse thrust force characteristics over a 10 mm stroke. The results show that the T-shaped design produces 34 N rather than 21 N at a 1 mm air gap, corresponding to a 62% increase in peak force. Increasing the air-gap cross-sectional area at the T-shaped plunger reduces magnetic resistance and increases magnetic flux, further enhancing the magnetic force. Additionally, using a corrected reluctance value, the magnetic force obtained from the analytical 1D model shows good agreement with the finite element method simulations.