The magnetic force components generate a reluctance force. They may be used to model position-dependent air-gaps and permanent magnet sections of translatory actuators. The position coordinate, , of the mechanical actuator coincides with the variable , which is the dimension that changes with the armature motion.
The derivative of the permeance of a component with respect to armature position is calculated as
The parameter must be set in each component to +1 or -1, according to the definition of the armature coordinate and the position of the element in the device's magnetic circuit.
The reluctance force, , is computed from the change in the magnetic coenergy, , with respect to the armature position: