Multiphysics Analysis of a Linear Control Solenoid Valve

A multiphysics analysis of a linear control solenoid valve coupled with a single degree of freedom (DOF) system is performed to analyze the spool behaviors of the valve. Axially symmetrical simulations are carried out to investigate simultaneously the phenomena of the electromagnetic field and the flow field. The valve spool stroke is determined by the balance between the forces, i.e., the electromagnetic force, hydraulic force, spring force, and damping force. In turn, the spool stroke influences these forces. The arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method is employed to describe the dynamic behavior of the system. The simulation results are compared with experimental data to ascertain their accuracy and reliability. In static electromagnetic simulations, a constant electromagnetic force can arise in the linear control solenoid valve because of the leakage of the magnetic flux at the core pole. In the multiphysics simulations, the controllable range of the valve is found to be i = 0.2 – 1.1 A, which is twice the size of that of the electromagnetic simulations. The hydraulic force due to the feedback pressure pushes the spool forward and enables a wider controllable range. Although the supplied pressure improves the system linearity, a critical supplied pressure is required to ensure the linearity of the linear control solenoid valve. The effects of varying the rising time and the maximum external current on the behavior of the valve and its pressure sensitivities are examined.