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Main >> Applications >> Sample problems >> Relay dynamics simulation using Microsoft Office (Excel) and ActiveField (QuickField Object Model)

Relay dynamics simulation using Microsoft Excel and QuickField API

QuickField simulation example

The relay consists of the solenoid with moving core, which disconnects the electric switch contacts when the control current is running in the solenoid. The spring keeps the core in the pull-out position with switch contacts connected. When the current is turned on, the magnetic field acts on the ferromagnetic core, overcomes the resistance of the spring, and pulls the core inside the solenoid to the pull in position where it is stopped by damper ring, which absorbs the shock. Operating time of this relay and the plunger motion function should be calculated.

To combine the electromagnetic field analysis with the moving core dynamics both Microsoft Office (Excel) and QuickField are used. Interaction between QuickField and Microsoft Excel is performed using ActiveField application programming interface.

Problem Type
Axisymmetric problem of DC magnetics.

Geometry
relay kinematic model

Number of turns N = 2000;
Current I = 0.2 A;
Plunger pull-out position xmax = 10 mm.
Plunger pull in position xmin = 6 mm.
Plunger weight m = 4.5 g;
Spring constant k = 4 N/m
Spring free position xspring.free = 15 mm.

Task
The electromagnetic and spring forces act on the plunger. Both forces depend on the plunger position. Calculate plunger motion function.

Solution
The multi-turn winding is replaced with the equivalent total current.

The motion function can be found from second-order differential equation
m · d²x/dt² = f(x),
where m - is a plunger weight (kg),
x - is a plunger position (m)
f(x) - is the force acting on the plunger (N).
The force acting on the plunger is a sum of spring force fspring(x) = k·(xspring.free - x) and electromagnetic force.

The equations are solved in Microsoft Excel VBA. The dynamic link is used to invoke QuickField and calculate the electromagnetic force at each step.

The calculations are stopped when x=xmin (pull in position, plunger hits damper).
Microsoft Excel VBA to QuickField link The equations are solved in Microsoft Excel VBA. The dynamic link through COM is used to invoke QuickField and calculate the electromagnetic force at each step Microsoft Excel VBA QuickField Initial conditions x0 = xmax, v0 = 0 m/s Invoke QuickField to calculate Force(xi) vi+1 = vi + Force/mass*Δt xi+1 = xi + vi+1* Δt x>xmin ? true false EXIT

Results
The plunger hits initial position (0.006 m) at 0.055 s.
Plot of the plunger position in meters vs time in seconds.