Static and dynamic electromagnetic actuator designs for a fluctuating force module (FFM) calibration test facility

The testing of scale model propulsors is an essential part of any marine propulsion design process. The fluctuating force module (FFM) is a self contained, instrumented propulsor drive system designed to be an integral part of a scaled propulsor test facility. The paper describes a novel electromagnetic test facility which provides a static axial thrust of 0-1 kN and triaxial dynamic forces of 0.3-3 Nrms, at frequencies of 80-800 Hz, to an equivalent propulsor mass rotating at speeds of 0-900 rpm, in order to calibrate the FFM force measurement systems.