Finite Element Analysis of Eight-pole Homopolar Hybrid Magnetic Bearing

In order to improve the levitation performances, this paper proposed a homopolar eight-pole radial hybrid magnetic bearing (RHMB). Firstly, the structure, magnetic circuit and levitation mechanism are introduced. Based on the magnetic circuit analysis, the mathematical models of the suspension force and maximum bearing capacities are derived. Then, the parameters of the prototype are designed, and the finite element analysis model is established. The magnetic field distributions are calculated and analyzed to verify the suspension mechanism and magnetic circuit. Finally, force-current relationships are calculated and compared. An experimental platform was established to test the maximum levitation force under static levitation. The research results have shown that the magnetic circuit of the eight-pole RHMB is reasonable and the proposed RHMB can produce stable levitation force.