Loop-equation-based magnetic equivalent circuit network for the analysis of linear electromagnetic actuators in stray magnetic field

Purpose This work aims to develop a method that balances computational efficiency and accuracy for evaluating the performance of linear electromagnetic actuators (LEAs) in the presence of stray magnetic fields (SMFs). Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a loop-equation-based magnetic equivalent circuit network (MECN) model for evaluating the electromagnetic characteristics of LEAs in the presence of SMFs. By using magnetic flux as the state variable, the proposed model enables analysis of leakage flux in windings. In this approach, SMFs are introduced as boundary conditions, thus reducing computational complexity. A solenoid-type LEA is used as a case study, and the accuracy of the proposed MECN is validated through comparison with finite element analysis (FEA) results. Findings The results demonstrate that the loop-equation-based MECN achieves good agreement with FEA simulations while significantly improving computational efficiency. This indicates that the proposed approach provides both reliable accuracy and reduced computational cost for analysing LEAs under SMFs. Originality/value This study proposes a loop-equation-based MECN method that introduces magnetic flux as a state variable, enabling analysis of magnetic fields in current-carrying regions. By incorporating SMFs as boundary conditions, the model is simplified, thus enhancing computational efficiency.