Submit to Actuators Review for Actuators Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Surface Vehicles".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2025) | Viewed by 11039

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Long

E-Mail
Guest Editor

College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Interests: maglev train technology; maglev bearing technology; maglev control technology; fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control; electromechanical system safety control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Feng Sun

E-Mail
Guest Editor

School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
Interests: magnetic levitation technology; magnetic bearings; magnetic actuators applications; active vehicle suspension using magnetic actuators
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jin Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
Interests: magnetic levitation technology; rotating machinery; electromechanical system control; vibration control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Suyuan Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: electromagnetics; active magnetic bearing; mechanical vibration; magnetic-levitated rotating machinery; vibration and noise control; nuclear power engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ran Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
Interests: magnetic levitation technology; energy harvesting; vibration control

Dr. Chuan Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
Interests: magnetic levitation bearings; permanent magnetic levitation platforms; hybrid magnetic levitation; magnetic levitation system control method

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic actuators are actuators which use magnetic force or Lorentz force, and are widely used in industry, defense, aviation, aerospace, and daily life. Magnetic actuators integrate electromagnetism, electronic technology, superconducting and cryogenic technology, control engineering, signal processing, mechanics, and dynamics. They have attracted extensive attention from scholars both nationally and internationally, thus representing a research hotspot in related fields. In order to solve the basic scientific problems and key technical problems related to magnetic actuators, and gather the frontier achievements of magnetic actuators and vibration control, Actuators has created a Special Issue, titled "Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators", which aims to address all types of designed actuators using magnetic force or Lorentz force.

Following the success of the first volume of this Special Issue, which included 12 perspective papers, we decided to broaden the scope and compile a second volume for the publication of all types of manuscripts (reviews, perspectives, and research papers).

This Special Issue also cooperates with the 11th Chinese Symposium on Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control (https://csve.kejie.org.cn/meeting/CSMLVC11/), held on 4 August 2023–7 August 2023, Changsha, China. Authors of high-quality papers on topics related to this Special Issue presented at the conference are invited to submit extended versions of their work to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Long
Prof. Dr. Feng Sun
Prof. Dr. Jin Zhou
Prof. Dr. Suyuan Yu
Dr. Ran Zhou
Dr. Chuan Zhao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

magnetic bearing
maglev carrier
new maglev technology
new applications of maglev technology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

13 pages, 3438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Modelling and Validation for the Ultra-High-Speed EDS Rocket Sled with PM Halbach Array

by Yongpan Hu, Baojun Chen, Guobin Lin and Zhiqiang Wang

Actuators 2025, 14(5), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14050225 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 155

Abstract

The ultra-high-speed rocket sled plays an important role in the ground test by simulating altitude flight. Rocket sleds can only be lifted for a short time with thermally uninsulated superconductors moving among an eddy-current-induced copper array. For the purpose of durable lifting, an electrodynamic suspension (EDS) with a permanent magnet (PM) Halbach array moving over a conductor plate can be adopted to upgrade the rocket sled. The earlier study built a two-dimensional (2D) model for the PM EDS system. Yet, 2D modelling in our earlier research ignored the magnetic field variation along both widths of the Halbach array and conductor plate. This resulted in a more than 50% error between the analytical electromagnetic forces with both the three-dimensional (3D) simulated and experimental results. To reduce the error, this paper puts forward more accurate analytical electromagnetic force formulas by a 3D modelling method encompassing both widths of the Halbach array and conductor plate. The 3D model was built by periodically extending the PM EDS system along both directions of the width and length. Then, by double Fourier series expansion and omitting high-order components, the electromagnetic forces can be approximated by brief formulas. Moreover, lift-to-weight and lift-to-drag optimization are discussed. Finally, the correctness of the 3D electromagnetic force formulas was verified by both the numerical simulation and experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Adaptive Control of Maglev System Based on Parameter Identification

by Haiyan Qiang, Sheng Qiao, Hengyue Huang, Ping Cheng and Yougang Sun

Actuators 2025, 14(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14030115 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 716

Abstract

To address the nonlinearity and control problems of the Maglev system caused by external disturbances and internal factors of the system, this study first established a kinematic model of a single-point levitation system. Secondly, based on the nonlinear characteristics of the kinematic model, Gaussian noise was introduced into the model as input disturbance, and a neural network was used to train the constructed model. A nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous inputs was constructed, and the Recursive Least Squares method with Forgetting Factor (RLS-FF) was used to perform parameter identification on the levitation system by combining the training data, further constructing an accurate model of the levitation system. Then, based on the accurate model of the levitation system, the backstepping method was adopted to design an adaptive controller for the levitation system, and its stability was verified. Simulation analysis was conducted on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, and comparisons were made with the LQR control method and the Fuzzy-PID control method that verified that the designed controller had a faster response speed and better self-regulation ability. At the same time, interference signals were introduced into the simulation to simulate the actual scene, and the good anti-interference ability and adaptive performance of the designed controller were further verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5037 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

SNN-Based Surrogate Modeling of Electromagnetic Force and Its Application in Maglev Vehicle Dynamics Simulation

by Yang Feng, Chunfa Zhao, Xin Liang and Zhan Bai

Actuators 2025, 14(3), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14030112 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 481

Abstract

The majority of electromagnetic force calculation models employed in maglev vehicle system dynamics focus exclusively on vertical and lateral movement while neglecting the nonlinear magnetization properties of ferromagnetic materials. This oversight leads to discrepancies between the dynamics simulations and actual conditions. To enhance the accuracy of dynamics simulations and evaluate the performance of maglev vehicle systems under various operational conditions, it is imperative to identify an electromagnetic force calculation model that combines accuracy and applicability. To address this objective, this paper examines a U-shaped electromagnet in medium–low-speed maglev vehicles as a case study. It constructs a spatial electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model using a Shallow Neural Network. The surrogate model is capable of accurately calculating electromagnetic forces considering relative position deviations in the lateral, vertical, rolling, pitching, and shaking directions. Moreover, it can be integrated into vehicle system dynamics simulations. The accuracy of the electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model is confirmed by extensive comparisons with finite element simulation results across various conditions, achieving an impressive concordance rate of up to 95%. An illustrative application of the electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model in maglev vehicle system dynamics simulation is provided to showcase its practical utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Risk Analysis Method of Maglev Train Suspension System Based on Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision-Making

by Xiang Chen, Xiaolong Li and Yilu Feng

Actuators 2025, 14(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14030111 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 608

Abstract

As a new type of rail transit vehicle, maglev trains have extremely high requirements for safety and reliability. With the gradual commercial operation of maglev trains, how to scientifically and effectively assess the safety and analyze the risks of train equipment has become an urgent issue to be addressed. Against the backdrop of the practical application of maglev train projects, this paper integrates domestic and international risk analysis models, proposes the steps for conducting the risk analysis of maglev rail transit, and establishes a risk analysis system for the entire lifecycle of maglev rail transit. Based on the results of fault analysis, a risk analysis of the levitation system is carried out. The theory of multi-attribute decision-making is studied, new risk evaluation indicators are established using triangular fuzzy numbers, the risk levels of the levitation system are determined, and the weak links within the system and the relationships between the pieces of equipment are identified. These efforts provide guidance for enhancing the safety and reliability of train equipment and for carrying out train maintenance work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupled Dynamics Modeling and Validation of Maglev Vehicle and Bridge Systems

by Fei Zhou and Xiaolong Li

Actuators 2025, 14(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14030107 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 446

Abstract

To address the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration issue of the Qingyuan Maglev Tourist Line, it is necessary to establish a maglev vehicle–bridge coupling dynamics simulation model that reflects the actual line conditions. Based on the vehicle and bridge structural parameters of the Qingyuan Maglev Tourist Line, this paper utilizes multi-body dynamics simulation software to create a medium–low-speed maglev vehicle dynamics model, and employs finite element software to construct a bridge model. Using the modal reduction method, the bridge finite element model is imported into the vehicle dynamics model through a rigid–flex coupling interface, establishing a medium–low-speed maglev vehicle suspension system–bridge coupling dynamics model. The accuracy of the established coupling simulation model was verified by comparing the simulation data from the coupling model with the dynamic response measured data from the Qingyuan Maglev Tourist Line. Finally, the impact of different control parameters on the vehicle–bridge coupling system was calculated, and the results indicate that selecting appropriate suspension control parameters can reduce the coupling vibration response between the maglev vehicle and the bridge. The main work of this paper is closely related to engineering, modeling based on the actual maglev line’s vehicle and bridge parameters, and validating the model through the dynamic test results of the line, laying the foundation for the suppression of maglev vehicle–bridge coupling vibration and system optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 12818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modal Vibration Suppression for Magnetically Levitated Rotor Considering Significant Gyroscopic Effects and Interface Contact

by Kun Zeng, Yang Zhou, Yuanping Xu and Jin Zhou

Actuators 2025, 14(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14020076 - 6 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 648

Abstract

Featured with optimal power consumption, active magnetic bearings (AMBs) have been extensively integrated into turbomachinery applications. For turbomachinery components, including the rotor and impeller, their connection is generally based on bolted joints, which would easily induce excessive interface contact. As a result, the pre-tightening torque can induce modal vibrations in the rotor upon levitation. Although a notch filter can be adopted to suppress the vibrations, it should be noted that the current reported notch filters are based on fixed center frequency, making it challenging to enable high effectiveness over a broad range of rotor speeds, particularly in cases where the gyroscopic effect is significant. Herein, a modal vibration suppression based on a varying-frequency notch filter is proposed, considering gyroscopic effect and interface contact. First, the rotor–AMB system was developed, taking into consideration the bolted-joint interface contact. This modeled the effect of the interface contact as a time-varying force in the positive feedback. Secondly, the relationship between vibration frequency and rotational speed was obtained, based on simulations. Lastly, a test rig was configured to validate the performance of the frequency-varying notch filter. The experimental data confirm that the filter is capable of attenuating the modal vibrations resulting from interface contact across all operational speeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Interconnected MRAS Parameter Identification for Speed Sensorless Control of Linear Induction Motor

by Hailin Hu, Shiyan Yu, Liangjie Ren, Mingda Zhai and Yuhui Chen

Actuators 2025, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14010002 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 746

Abstract

After eliminating the speed sensor in the linear induction motor (LIM) high-performance closed-loop control system, the speed feedback information is missing in the speed closed loop. The accuracy of speed observation results is affected by changes in magnetizing inductance and primary resistance. This effect can cause significant oscillations in the results of the speed sensorless control system, preventing them from converging. An enhanced model reference adaptive system (MRAS) multi-parameter parallel identification methodology based on the interconnected second-order super-twisting algorithm (SOSTA) is proposed. To enhance the system’s dynamic performance, we designed an improvement to the MRAS observer based on the SOSTA, with a focus on the LIM state-space equation that considers dynamic edge-end effects. The impact of parameter alterations on the LIM system is examined. To improve speed observation accuracy and system stability, a two-parameter MRAS identification model was created. The Popov hyperstability principle was used to formulate control laws for these two parameters, ultimately enabling the identification of these two parameters. The identified values were fed back to the speed observation and control system, which reduces the coupling of these two parameters and speed. Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experiments demonstrate that the observation system estimates speed accurately when these two parameters undergo abrupt changes within the rated speed range, enhancing the precision and robustness of the speed sensorless control system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design, Modeling, and Characteristics Analysis of Halbach Permanent Magnetic Spring

by Yuexuan Lou, He Zhang and Haoran Cai

Actuators 2024, 13(11), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13110453 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 986

Abstract

Magnetic springs, which can be used to replace traditional mechanical springs, have many advantages, such as necessitating no physical contact, generating no friction, no vibration or noise, and having a long lifespan. Nevertheless, their strong nonlinearity limits their widespread application. In this study, we developed a novel permanent magnet spring to address this issue: a Halbach permanent magnetic spring, with a large levitation force and an approximately linear force characteristic curve. First, we introduce the structure and the parameters of the Halbach permanent magnetic spring. Second, we describe the levitation force performance and the stiffness performance of the Halbach permanent magnetic spring using finite element analysis. Third, we analyze the trends through which different parameters influence the levitation force performance and stiffness performance. Finally, we provide recommendations for the future design of and improvement in the Halbach permanent magnetic spring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 8273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Armature Structure on Constant Force Characteristics in Long-Stroke Moving-Iron Proportional Solenoid Actuator

by Rongkai Shang, Peng Liu, Wenwen Quan and Yuwen Ouyang

Actuators 2024, 13(10), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13100408 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1217

Abstract

The influence of key design parameters on the constant force characteristics of long-stroke moving-iron proportional solenoid actuators (MPSAs) has been explored by a method combining finite element modelling and correlation analysis. First, the finite element model (FEM) of long-stroke MPSA was developed and validated. Subsequently, the two evaluation indexes, the average-output solenoid force and maximum-output solenoid force variability, were introduced to disclose the influence law of pole shoe parameters on the constant force characteristics of a long-stroke MPSA. After that, correlation analysis was employed to quantify the influence of several parameters and parameter interaction factors on the constant force characteristics. The results indicate a strong contradiction between the average-output solenoid force and maximum-output solenoid force variability; however, increasing the inner diameter of the cone helps enhance the average-output solenoid force without causing maximum-output solenoid force variability to increase. Among all the parameters examined, the cone angle is the most significant parameter affecting the constant force characteristics. Additionally, interactions between the cone angle and the cone length, the cone angle and the inner cone diameter, the cone angle and the outer cone diameter, the cone length and the outer cone diameter, as well as the inner cone diameter and the outer cone diameter also have an important influence on the constant force characteristics. This study deepens our understanding of how the key parameters affect the constant force characteristics and assists designers in optimizing these parameters for developing new structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Control Method Based on Koopman Operator for Suspension System of Maglev Train

by Peichen Han, Junqi Xu, Lijun Rong, Wen Wang, Yougang Sun and Guobin Lin

Actuators 2024, 13(10), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13100397 - 3 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

The suspension system of the Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) maglev train is crucial for ensuring safe operation. This article focuses on data-driven modeling and control optimization of the suspension system. By the Extended Dynamic Mode Decomposition (EDMD) method based on the Koopman theory, the state and input data of the suspension system are collected to construct a high-dimensional linearized model of the system without detailed parameters of the system, preserving the nonlinear characteristics. With the data-driven model, the LQR controller and Extended State Observer (ESO) are applied to optimize the suspension control. Compared with baseline feedback methods, the optimization control with data-driven modeling reduces the maximum system fluctuation by 75.0% in total. Furthermore, considering the high-speed operating environment and vertical dynamic response of the maglev train, a rolling-update modeling method is proposed to achieve online modeling optimization of the suspension system. The simulation results show that this method reduces the maximum fluctuation amplitude of the suspension system by 40.0% and the vibration acceleration of the vehicle body by 46.8%, achieving significant optimization of the suspension control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Modified ADRC Scheme Based on Model Information for Maglev Train

by Hao Wang, Zhiqiang Wang and Zhiqiang Long

Actuators 2024, 13(9), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13090328 - 28 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1012

Abstract

During the operation of maglev trains, they are subjected to various disturbances. The presence of these disturbances presents a significant challenge for attaining high-performance control and even poses the risk of system instability. To further enhance the anti-disturbance capability of maglev trains, this paper proposes a model information-assisted modified active disturbance rejection control (MADRC) approach. A mathematical model of the single-point suspension system of maglev trains is constructed for the design of the extended state observer (ESO), which is a modified extended state observer (MESO), and a nonlinear mechanism is incorporated to boost the performance of the ESO. Owing to the introduction of model information, the estimated quantity of disturbances by MESO no longer considers the system model deviation as a disturbance. Hence, the linear feedback control law is modified accordingly. The MESO is regarded as an ESO with time-varying gain using the equivalent gain method, and its stability is proven using the Lyapunov method. The tracking and anti-disturbance performances of different controllers are compared via simulation experiments. Suspension and anti-disturbance experiments are conducted on the single-point suspension experimental platform, verifying that the proposed MADRC has a more potent suppression ability for load disturbances in the suspension system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Data-Driven Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Electromagnetic Suspension Maglev Control System

by Xingyu Zhou, Shi Liang, Xiaolong Li, Zhiqiang Long and Zhiqiang Wang

Actuators 2024, 13(8), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13080314 - 20 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1474

Abstract

As new advanced vehicles, the safety and stability of electromagnetic suspension maglev trains have always been a subject of concern. This study introduces the improved R index and τ-distance index into the performance evaluation of the suspension control system, respectively assessing the stability of the suspension gap and the smoothness of train operation, combining them with grey relational analysis to achieve data-driven comprehensive evaluation. Furthermore, feasibility tests on the Fenghuang Maglev Express validate the effectiveness and superiority of the comprehensive evaluation method based on measured data. Experimental results demonstrate that the data-driven comprehensive evaluation method, through designing specialized evaluation metrics and increasing assessment dimensions, effectively evaluates the performance of the suspension system control loop. Compared to a traditional error integral comprehensive performance index, it offers greater comprehensiveness and accuracy, along with real-time state-monitoring capabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Theory and Application of Magnetic Actuators—2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI