Fully Coupled Dynamic Model of Thomson’s Levitating Ring

The complete electromagnetic-mechanical-thermal modeling approach is demonstrated on the Thomson´s levitating ring experiment. This problem, but with a different set of parameters, was also described by Laithwaite and defined by Freeman and Lowther as TEAM17 problem. This paper presents its most complete solution. The factors for determining the vertical displacements and influence of the height of the ring are explained. The whole apparatus is explained in detail so that an accurate computer model can be made. The model introduced is validated against measurements and transient finite-element method (FEM) solvers. All the results prove the applicability of using steady-state FEM analysis with lumped parameter approach for a fast and effective fully coupled modeling.