Multi-objective optimization of stacked radial passive magnetic bearing

Abstract

Modeling, design, and optimization for performances of passive magnetic bearings (PMBs) are indispensable, as they deliver lubrication free, friction less, zero wear, and maintenance-free operations. However, single-layer PMBs has lower load-carrying capacity and stiffness necessitating development of stacked structure PMBs for maximum load and stiffness. Present work is focused on multi-objective optimization of radial PMBs to achieve maximum load-carrying capacity and stiffness in a given volume. Three-dimensional Coulombian equations are utilized for estimating load and stiffness of stacked radial PMBs. Constraints, constants, and bounds for the optimization are extracted from the available literature. Optimization is performed for force and stiffness maximization in the obtained bounds with three PMB configurations, namely (i) mono-layer, (ii) conventional (back to back), and (iii) rotational magnetized direction. The optimum dimensions required for achieving maximum load without compromising stiffness for all three configurations is investigated. For designers ease, equations to estimate the optimized values of load, stiffness, and stacked PMB variables in terms of single-layer PMB are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by considering the PMB dimensions from the available literature. © IMechE 2017.