Modeling the 3D Rotational and Translational Motion of Magnets over a Conducting Guideway using a Combined Field and Lumped-Parameter Model

The rotation of radial positioned magnets over a thin aluminum sheet or ladder guideway induces currents in the guideway that can simultaneously create thrust and lift forces. The uses of a flat split-guideway topology can also generate guidance forces when offset from the center. The magnetic rotor that creates these forces has been termed an electrodynamic wheel (EDW) and maybe useful for realizing the goal of creating a low cost high-speed maglev vehicle. Additional guidance force can be obtained by turning the EDW, as with a car. The use of a Halbach rotor is necessary in order to create sufficient lift force.