Finite elements analysis of a small power eddy current brake

The eddy current brakes are electromechanical conversion systems which convert mechanical energy into thermal energy. When a conductive disk falls into a time-varying magnetic flux, eddy currents are induced in the conductive disk which go around the disk and these currents produces a magnetic field having an opposite polarity which is generated by external excitation current. Braking force occurs, by virtue of the action between of the two magnetic fields. The mathematical analysis of eddy current brake is almost impossible, due to the complexity of the electromagnetic problem. Accordingly, finite element method can be used to analyse the eddy current brake. Finite element method is a sophisticated and low-cost method which obtains accurate results. In this study, a small power eddy current brake is designed and then analysed by finite element method. Eventual braking torque, torque-speed curve of eddy current brake for low, medium and high speed regions and total power dissipation inside the conductive disk are all calculated.