Nonlinear Analysis of Magnetic Bearings for Space Technology

The high magnetic energy stored in rare earth-cobalt magnets allows the design of lightweight motors and magnetic bearings for high-speed rotors. Magnetic bearings are not subject to wear and with the ability to operate under high vacuum conditions, they appear ideal for applications requiring high rotational speeds such as 100 000 r/min. Important applications are for turbomolecular pumps, laser scanners, centrifuges, momentum rings for satellite stabilizations, and other uses in space technology. This paper presents a two-dimemsional nonlinear numerical analysis of the magnetic fields in a magnetic bearing, based on magnetostatic assumptions and finite-difference iterative techniques.