Abstract
Variable flux-path magnetic suspension using flux concentration is studied analytically. It was shown that flux-concentration type can produce larger suspension force than the conventional variable flux-path system using ferromagnetic control plate. However, it was difficult to achieve stable suspension since the control (variable) force was not so large. In this paper, to solve such a problem, the characteristics of the suspension system are studied by finite element analysis. In particular, the effects of the direction of motion, the operating positions and the shape of the control plates are investigated. In addition, an experimental apparatus with a variable flux-path unit using flux concentration is developed. A single-axis stable suspension is achieved by applying PD control in the developed apparatus.
