Numerical Computation and Analysis of Electromagnetic Field in Magnetic Suspension and Balance System

Abstract

The magnetic suspension wind tunnel balance (MSBS) is an entirely new device for aerodynamic measurement, and it makes the best of the electromagnetic force to suspend the aircraft model in the wind tunnel without contact. Compared with conventional wind tunnel balance, it absolutely abandons the model support and airflow interference. Therefore, the aerodynamic measurement environment is more authentic and the aerodynamic measurement results are more accurate. The electromagnetic field in MSBS plays a major role in bearing the force of wind. The numerical computation and finite element numerical analysis are performed to investigate key factors of electromagnetic force under different conditions. The calculation results based on finite element method (FEM) have revealed that the diameter and the spacing of of the axial coil, the number of segments and the pitch angle of the suspension model are key factors of electromagnetic force. Based on the above key factors, the structure of the magnetic suspension balance is optimized to maximize the electromagnetic force under multiple constraints.