A 3-D Magnetic Charge Finite-Element Model of an Electrodynamic Wheel

When a magnetic rotor is both rotated and translationally moved above a conductive, nonmagnetic, guideway eddy currents are induced that can simultaneously create lift, thrust, and lateral forces. In order to model these forces, a 3D finite-element model with a magnetic charge boundary has been created. The modeling of the rotational motion of magnets by using a fictitious complex magnetic charge boundary enables fast and accurate steady-state techniques to be used. The conductive regions have been modeled using the magnetic vector potential and nonconducting with the magnetic scalar potential. The steady-state model has been validated by comparing it with a Magsoft Flux 3D transient model (without translational velocity) and with experimental results. The 3D model is also compared with a previously presented 2D steady-state complex current sheet model.