Date of Award

Fall 1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Program/Concentration

Engineering Mechanics

Committee Director

Colin P. Britcher

Committee Member

Donald L. Kunz

Committee Member

Nelson J. Groom

Call Number for Print

Special Collections; LD4331.E57 B56

Abstract

Magnetic suspension systems were first demonstrated as practical by Holmes and Beams in the 1930's. Since then, numerous academic researchers have worked with various types of these systems. Commercial applications have largely been limited to magnetic bearings for rotating machinery. Other applications that have held considerable promise include wind tunnel model suspensions, space payload pointing and vibration isolation systems, satellite momentum storage and control devices and electromagnetic launch systems. However, none of these have progressed significantly beyond the prototype stage. Maglev trains have not reached serious commercial service but are being aggressively developed in Germany and Japan.

Design methods for magnetic suspension systems have traditionally relied heavily on simple magnetic circuit analysis, empirical data, and experience gained by trial-and-error. Recently, considerable interest has been evident in a more rigorous approach, partly due to the development of sophisticated computer codes capable of accurate analysis of magnetostatic (zero frequency) and magnetodynamic (time-varying) problems. It is the goal of this research to develop systematic design procedures for magnetic suspension systems. This research focuses on the development of design approaches based on optimization studies of maximum force per unit power. Design approaches for both small-gap and large-gap magnetic suspension systems are examined.

Magnetic circuit theory is used to model an axial thrust magnetic bearing and a homopolar radial magnetic bearing. MATLAB's Constrained Optimization Toolbox is used to minimize the power over a range of air-gap distances and forces for five different sized coils. The optimization results are analyzed to determine efficient design trends. These trends are used to develop specific design procedures for both the axial and radial magnetic bearings.

The use of magnetic dipoles is studied as a design tool for the implementation of large-gap magnetic suspension systems. A mathematical model is developed from fundamental principles and is studied with MATLAB's Constrained Optimization Toolbox. Several cases involving the design of a wind tunnel Magnetic Suspension and Balance System are studied. The results of the optimization cases are discussed along with the potential for the combined use of an optimization package and magnetic dipole formulations as large-gap design tools.

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DOI

10.25777/nkkp-ms05

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