Abstract of Thesis presented at COPPE/UFRJ as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Study of an Eletrodynamic Bearing

Marcelo de Almeida Lopes

March/2014

Advisors:

Richard Magdalena Stephan Guilherme Gonçalves Sotelo

Department:

Eletrical Engineering

      Magnetic bearings may be a solution for specific operations, for instance, at high speed. One type of magnetic bearing is the called electrodynamic bearing, which has a feasible geometry and widespread components in industry. This work presents the characteristics of electrodynamic levitation, namely the forces behavior for different parameters, obtained by analytical calculations, numerical simulations as well as experimental tests. Finally, the design and construction of a radial homopolar electrodynamic bearing will be detailed, whose propose is to minimize losses and to maximize restoring forces. This last one is present in case of an eccentric operation as well as when the rotor has a radial velocity. More details about design and construction will be seen in this work.