A Whole Space Harmonic Force Model for the Disk Electrodynamic Suspension Device Utilizing Magnetic Vector Potential

The disk electrodynamic suspension device (DEDSD) features stable suspension capability, simple structure, low cost, and no mechanical rotation. For analysis and design optimization of the DEDSD, an accurate whole space harmonic force model utilizing magnetic vector potential (MVP) is developed in this paper. The DEDSD is unfolded along the circumference direction and equivalent into a special linear induction motor (LIM). Then, a 2-D MVP method for the equivalent LIM is derived where the longitudinal discrete distribution of coils is represented by longitudinal space harmonics. The 2-D MVP method is further expanded to a 3-D MVP method where new boundary conditions are derived and the transverse edge effect is represented by transverse space harmonics. Consequently, a whole space harmonic force model of the DEDSD is obtained from the 3-D MVP method. Characteristics of the whole space harmonics are analyzed and proper orders are chosen. Finally, the proposed model is verified by experiments on a prototype.