Analytical Model for a Permanent Magnet Eddy-Current Brake with Transverse Edge Effect

Abstract

In this paper, the analytical model of a permanent magnet (PM) linear eddy current brake is presented with consideration of transverse edge effects. The transverse edge effects can be divided into static and dynamic effects. The static transverse edge effect is caused by the diffusion of the magnetic flux in the core edge, and the dynamic transverse edge effect is caused by the paths of the eddy currents in the conductor plate. First, the structure and working principle of the eddy current brake are described. Next, the static air gap magnetic flux of the eddy current brake with the static transverse edge effect is analyzed using a multilayer analysis model and conformal mapping method. The braking force of the eddy current brake is then calculated while taking the dynamic transverse edge effect into consideration. Finally, the validity of the analytical model is verified by 3D finite element method (FEM).