Simulation and analysis of an eddy current damper

The applications of eddy current dampers have been explored in the past few decades due to their non-contact nature which poses several advantages over the conventional hydraulic dampers. This paper discusses the real-time simulation and analysis of an eddy current damper which can be used for the protection of windows and doors against winds and human behavior. The damper consists of a hollow cylindrical conductor and axially magnetized permanent magnets. The equations have been solved to obtain the final velocity of the window in LABVIEW. Decrease in final velocity of the window with damper is calculated at different instants and for different forces. Performance of the damper is compared for different conductors also. The damping coefficient, damping ration and loss of radial flux density in the air gap are also calculated. The results show that the damper can be successfully used as an alternative to the hydraulic dampers for safety. © Totem Publisher, Inc.