PEDS13: Systemic force evaluation of Magnetic Bearings Design for a Pediatric LVAD Study

Abstract

Study: A miniature magnetic levitation bearing system (maglev) was proposed for an implantable pediatric LVAD. The maglev bearing system is comprised passive radial bearings made of permanent magnet (PM) rings, and an active axial bearing. The study evaluates the passive bearing’s ability to radially stabilize the rotor within a moveable range of radial and axial displacements, and characterizes the axial forces produced. Methods: A stacked pair of concentric PM rings was placed on each side of the rotor and stator for the radial bearings. The PM rings were placed with like poles facing each other. The outer PM rings and stator were mounted on a six-axis force sensor attached to an xyz micrometer driven stage to set the position, and a rotational stage for alignment. The rotor and inner PM rings were inserted in the stator and held in place by both ends. The forces produced were measured at a combination of radial (0mm to 0.35mm with 0.05mm steps) and axial (0mm to 0.25mm with 0.05mm steps) displacements away from the center for a combination of 48 points. The measurements were taken three times and the average was taken. A finite element simulation was conducted by combining previously validated models of the motor, and the PM ring bearings to calculate radial and axial displacement forces. Results: As radial displacement increases, bearing force towards the center increases. Axial displacement decreases the force magnitude, but the direction towards the center remains. This shows the bearing’s ability to radially stabilize the rotor at a range of different radial and axial displacement combinations. As you increase axial displacement, the axial force away from the center increases. The radial position has little effect on axial force. This study quantifies the passive bearing’s axial forces to use in future work of developing the active axial bearing. The simulation results are in accordance with the experimental results. Variation is likely due to rotor-stator alignment error, holder manufacturing tolerances, and rotor rod flexing.Figure 1. Experimental Force Test SetupFigure 2. Axial and radial forces produced. Points are experimental results, dashed lines are simulation results.