Topological considerations of parametric electromechanical devices and their parametric analysis

One of the methods for attaining free suspension of objects in magnetic fields is magnetic levitation by tuned circuits. Tuned-circuit levitators exhibit typical dynamic instability. However, the inherent tendency of the suspended object to oscillate may serve as a basis for the construction of relatively new types of machines. An attempt is made to treat, all these devices from a generalized point of view. A method similar to that used for the analysis of parametric electronic networks is suggested here to tackle parametric electromechanical systems. The paper concludes with two recent examples which illustrate how unexpected are the phenomena, where parametric electromechanical effects are of relevance. A peculiar mechanical instability which occurred in the VHF resonators used in particles accelerators, has been described recently. It has also been found that both a rotation of a suspended object as well as its levitation can be achieved by using a levitator with only one electromagnet.