Analysis of an eddy-current brake considering finite radius and induced magnetic flux

Abstract

Since the eddy-current problem usually depends on the geometry of the moving conductive sheet and the pole shape, there is no general method to find an analytical solution. The analysis of the eddy currents in a rotating disk with an electromagnet is performed in the case of time-invariant field with the consideration of the boundary conditions of the rotating disk and induced magnetic flux. First, the concept of Coulomb's law and the method of images are introduced with the consideration of the boundary conditions. Second, the induced magnetic flux density is calculated by using Ampere's law. Third, the net magnetic flux density is introduced by defining the magnetic Reynolds number R-m as the ratio of the induced magnetic flux density to the applied magnetic flux density. Finally, the braking torque is calculated by applying the Lorentz force law and the computed results are compared with experimental ones. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.