Design Fabrication and Testing of a Single Actuator DCALS (Part 1)

Abstract

Suspension of a sphere is mostly reported in literature. Only single-axis levitation makes complete suspension of any spherical mass due to its structural symmetry. It is convenient to levitate a ferromagnetic sphere under the force of any electromagnet. The complete levitation of a cylindrical rod needs control of at least three degrees of freedom movement (roll, pitch, and yaw). So, the suspension of a long cylindrical rod without tilting is an interesting and challenging task. In this book two different kinds of experimental levitation systems have been reported. In this chapter, design and development of a DC attraction type levitation system where a cylindrical rod is made to remain suspended under an E-core electromagnet with a single degree of freedom in movement is explored. Here the E-core electromagnet is fixed, and the levitating cylindrical rod is attracted towards the magnet, and the resulting air-gap is controlled.