RAPID OPTIMIZATION OF A MAGNETIC INDUCTION BRAKE

A novel may to calculate the braking force of a magnetic induction bra ke is presented. The induced planar eddy currents are replaced by a fi ctitious analogous 2-dimensional magnetic field and the resistive diss ipation in the brake sheet is equated, by analogy, with the energy of this field. The field energy is then obtained in terms of the self and mutual inductances of the fictitious field generator currents, As to a practical magnetic brake, the expressions derived are approximate an d exactly valid in the thin brake sheet and small velocity limit only, Nevertheless, the approach devised gives additional insight into the nature of the problem, allows one to compare different braking magnet configurations in a systematic and quick manner, and should be of valu e in cases where a full numerical analysis is not required.