Some Nonlinear Effects of Magnetic Bearings

Abstract

Abstract In order to get a better understanding of the dynamics of active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems under extreme operating conditions a simple, nonlinear model for a radial AMB system is investigated. Instead of the common way of linearizing the magnetic forces at the center position of the rotor with respect to rotor displacement and coil current, the fully nonlinear force to displacement and the force to current characteristics are used. The AMB system is excited by unbalance forces of the rotor. Especially for the case of large rotor eccentricities, causing large rotor displacements, the behaviour of the system is discussed. A path-following analysis of the equations of motion shows that for some combinations of parameters well-known nonlinear phenomena may occur, as, for example, symmetry breaking, period doubling and even regions of global instability can be observed.