Parametric analysis of eddy-current brake performance by 3-D finite-element analysis

Eddy-current brakes as primary brakes in automobiles can potentially remedy the problems posed by conventional friction brakes. First, however, it will be necessary to analyze the effect of each design parameter on the performance of the eddy- current brake before designing a conceptual brake for a practical application and evaluating its behavior in real-life driving situations. In this paper, we analyze the effects of design parameters on the torque-speed curve of the eddy-current brake by the means of three-dimensional (2-D) finite-element analysis. The paper follows a previous work in which analysis was performed with a 2-D analytical model. The use of eddy-current brakes as primary brakes in automobiles has been proposed to remedy to the problems posed by conventional friction brakes. The analysis of the impact of each design parameter on the performance of the eddy-current brake is a necessary step before designing a conceptual brake for a practical application and analyzing its behavior in real-life driving situations. The present paper analyzes the impact of design parameters on the torque-speed curve of the eddy-current brake by the means of a three-dimensional finite element analysis. It follows a previously work where this analysis was performed with a two-dimensional analytical model.