Correlation of experimental data and three-dimensional finite element modeling of a spinning magnet array

A magnet array was spun above an aluminum disk, and the drag torque was measured for various speeds and gap sizes. Drag torques calculated using a three-dimensional finite element program were consistent with measured values. The finite element model was also used to determine the effects of the polarity and position of magnets in the source array. The peak torque was shown to occur when magnets are located at a radius equal to 70% of the disk radius. A magnet array with alternate magnets reversed was shown to produce more than twice the drag of an array comprised of parallel magnets. An approximation for fields under the magnet centers was obtained using a two-dimensional analytical solution