Optimization on pole pitch of magnetic wheels and thickness of metal plate for floating and a propulsion system using permanent magnets

A magnetic-levitation system using a rotating permanent magnet has been developed. Pole pitch of the magnetic wheels and thickness of the metal plates required for levitation were investigated by experiments and computational calculation. To determine the optimum conditions, the levitation force, generated using motors with different torque and rotation speeds, was measured. These measurements clarified differences in the generated levitation force due to the different rotational speed and torque. Parameters, such as skin depth, magnetic density, eddy-current distribution density, the ratio of drag force to levitation force, and levitation force per driving power were numerically calculated from the magnetic field created by the rotating permanent magnet and effective frequency. Magnetic wheels should be designed to be large and the pole pitch of magnets was to be wide, and the levitation force per driving power will be improved in proportion to the root function of the pole pitch between magnets.