Design and Implementation of One and Two-Degree-of-Freedom Magnetic Suspension and Balance Systems

The main objectives of this research were to design and implement one and two-degree-of-freedom (1 DOF and 2-DOF) magnetic levitation systems to levitate permanent magnet cores contained in PVC pipes, 8.4 cm and 76.2 cm in length, respectively. This project used the components of a Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (MSBS) that is being built to provide obstruction free positioning of test models in six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) inside the Princeton University/Office of Naval Research High Reynolds Number Test Facility (HRTF). The HRTF, a specialized wind tunnel designed to simulate undersea conditions by creating a low-speed, 3500 PSI air environment, imposes design challenges unique to this MSBS. Among these challenges are the need to control magnetic flux densities through the two-inch thick stainless steel walls of the suspension chamber and to suspend a heavy test object for long periods due to the limited access to the chamber\u27s interior