Test-Theory Correlation Study for an Ultra High Temperature Thrust Magnetic Bearing

Magnetic bearings have been researched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for a very long time to be used in wide applications. This research was to assemble and test an axial thrust electromagnetic bearing, which can handle 1000 lb-f of axial thrust load, when rotating at high speed, in a high temperature environment of 1000 0F. This high temperature magnetic bearing system would be used in high performance, high speed and high temperature applications like space vehicles, jet engines and deep sea equipment. An experimental procedure was developed to measure actual load capacity of the designed bearing in the test rig. All the results obtained from the experiment were compiled and analyzed to determine the relation between bearing force, applied current and temperature. The thesis incorporates the assembly, testing of the electromagnetic bearing at various speeds and temperatures and compare predicted to measured force vs. speed, current, gap and temperature. The results showed that the high temperature thrust magnetic bearing is capable of handling 1000 lb-f at 10000F and 5500 rpm.