Solenoid Modelling Question

["gopalan_m" <gopalan_m@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

As part of my work, I require a solenoid for a product. I have 
designed a solenoid empirically and through "gut feeling", but I want 
to proceed further into the design by actually doing some analysis.

I am a Mechanical Engineer by training, so I have experience with FEM 
software like ansys for structural dynamics etc, but have never used 
fem for magnetics analysis before. 

I would appreciate and recommendations on books, software packages or 
suggetions that any of you can give me.

For those who are technically inclined, ive listed some basic info 
below...

Any help woull be greatly appreciated...

Thanx

Manoj Gopalan
gopalan_m@xxxxxxxxx
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Armature and Housign material is Vanadium Permendur (23000 Gauss 
Saturation Flux Density) heat treated after machining for maximum 
properties. Do not have any coercivity info.

Coil Size 0.625" I.D 1.300" O.D approximately 2.125" Long

Approximate winding 2400@25 AWG H rated wire.

Maximum Air Gap 0.100"
Minimum Air Gap 0.005" (set by a stopper plate)

Minimum required pulling force 18 lbf(0.100")
Minimum required holding force 15 lbf(0.005")

The firing circuit is a constant current circuit coupled to capacitor 
bank to provide an initial peak currrent of 4A followed by a static 
holding current of 0.25A.
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