This paper presents an exhaustive study about the influence of some design parameters, such as the number of phases, the pole stroke, and the current density, in the behavior of Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (LSRM). LSRM's performance is assessed taking into account a set of quality indices, which are the energy conversion loop quality factor, the propulsion force per unit of primary steel volume, per unit of copper mass, per unit of air gap surface and finally the force ripple factor. The study is carried out by means of the 2-dimensional Finite Element analysis. Finally, the results are discussed and as a consequence a set of LSRM configurations with optimal performance according to the quality indices is defined.Keywords linear switched reluctance machines, finite element analysis, machine design, and sensitivity analysis.