We present the design, manufacturing, and dynamical characterization of a mechanical suspension made by a passive magnetic spring and an eddy current damper integrated into a single device. Three configurations with 2, 3, and 4 permanent magnets axially distributed with opposite polarizations are designed, simulated, manufactured, and tested. Stiffness of 2410, 2050, 2090 N/m and damping coefficient of 5.45, 10.52 and 17.25 Ns/m are measured for the 2-, 3-, and 4-magnets configurations, respectively. The magnetic suspension provides good mechanical properties combined with excellent cleanness and high reliability, which is very desirable in mechanical systems for space applications.
Classification
keywords
vibration damping; mechanical design; magnetic spring; eddy current damper