Solenoid and Plunger Relationship

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SUMMARY

The initial position of the plunger within a solenoid significantly affects the pull force experienced by the plunger. According to the solenoid force-distance curve, a plunger positioned partially inside the solenoid will experience a higher initial force compared to one starting outside. The maximum force occurs when the plunger is centered within the solenoid. Therefore, it is recommended that the plunger's stroke should terminate when the plunger's center aligns with the center of the solenoid for optimal performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solenoid mechanics and operation
  • Familiarity with force-distance curves in electromagnetic devices
  • Knowledge of plunger design and materials
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Research solenoid force-distance curves in detail
  • Explore the effects of plunger material on solenoid performance
  • Study the design considerations for optimizing solenoid stroke length
  • Investigate the impact of varying solenoid voltage on pull force
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, designers, and technicians working with electromagnetic devices, particularly those involved in solenoid design and optimization.

escape_velocity
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Does the initial position of the plunger in the solenoid make a difference to the pull force it is subjected to?

I mean in the default position how much % length of the plunger should be within the solenoid so that optimum force is delivered to the plunger when the solenoid is turned on?

I see from the solenoid force distance curve is a sort of inverse curve initially only a small force is delivered to the plunger, but as the plunger starts entering the solenoid the force increases and finally reaches its maximum when it reaches the center of the solenoid. So I was wondering if I initially move the plunger some mm into the solenoid will the plunger start with a higher force?
 

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escape_velocity said:
if I initially move the plunger some mm into the solenoid will the plunger start with a higher force?

That's what the diagram appears to be telling you.
 
CWatters said:
That's what the diagram appears to be telling you.
Thanks CWatters, yes I have so far searched the web and found scattered pieces of information, and yes the graph seems to imply that if we start with the plunger within the solenoid it should experience a higher force... The diagram also seems to say that the maximum force is at the centre of the solenoid. So I was looking for more info if the solenoid stroke should terminate when the pluger end has reached the centre of the solenoid or should I end it when the plunger centre has reached the centre of the solenoid.
 
I would expect the plunger to stop when the plunger is centered within the solenoid.
 

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