Optimization of Stiffness per Magnet Volume Ratio of Discrete and Continuous Halbach Type Permanent Magnetic Bearings

Magnetic bearing technology is one of the most promising future technologies in the area of electrical drive systems. Due to the contact-free rotor suspension numerous advantages arise. The utilization of passive magnetic bearings is a very effective way of realizing magnetic levitation. Thereby, systems with a minimal constructive complexity can be obtained. However, such constructions have a main drawback: the damping of the passively stabilized degrees of freedom is negligibly small. External excitations or resonant vibrations may cause considerable damage to the bearing system. This study describes an effective way to damp vibrations by means of viscoelastic elements. The mathematical formulation of the overall dynamic system is derived and the analytic results are verified by measurements.