Studying the Peak Force of Magnetic Linear Motion Devices Using Dimensional Neutrality

The merits of different sizing equations for linear motion magnetic force devices are assessed. A peak force scaling analysis for a linear magnetic coupling with respect to the volumetric force density, mass force density, magnetic shear stress and energy density is compared. By utilizing a 3-D analytic based model of a Halbach cylinder magnetic coupling it is shown that the maximizing of volumetric and mass force density is not an appropriate sizing metric for a linear magnetic actuator. Only energy density and magnetic shear stress are dimensionally neutral sizing metrics for linear actuators.