Analytical modeling of passive electrodynamic levitation systems

In this paper an analytical model for an electrodynamic levitation system is presented. The system consists of a moving permanent magnet piece levitated over a conducting plate. The width of conducting plate is assumed to be considerably greater than magnet. The permanent magnet piece is modeled by two equivalent current sheets, inducing eddy currents in the moving plate. The resultant magnetic field due to the permanent magnet and the eddy currents are then calculated. The drag and lift forces are also computed and their variations with system specifications are investigated. Finally a finite element method is employed to verify the validity of the analytical model, confirming the desirable accuracy of the model. The system modeling by the proposed analytical method is fast enough to be used in iterative design and optimization procedures.