Modelling and analysis of electrodynamic suspension of an aluminium disc as a complex engineering problem

Abstract

A final year project is an effective tool in teaching complex engineering phenomena. Problem identification and formulation, applying mathematical and engineering knowledge for solving a problem, and design and synthesis of the final product are some of the outcomes that the students achieve upon completing such projects. In this paper, the design of an electrodynamic suspension system, in which an aluminium disc suspended above two concentric coils, is considered. The mathematical description is presented and proved that the value of electromagnetic force exerted on the disc is proportional to the inverse square of its height. The system is then simulated with a finite element method software and the effects of varying different system’s parameters on the exerted force are studied through simulation results. Analytical calculations and simulation results are validated by being compared with experimental measurements, which show a close agreement.