Halbach Array Research Articles

Effect of soft magnetic particles content on multi-physics field of magnetorheological composite gel clutch with complex flow channel excited by Halbach array arrangement

In this paper we investigate the influence of soft magnetic particle mass fraction on the multi-physics field of proposed magnetorheological (MR) gel clutch. A novel MR gel clutch with complex cup-shaped gap is described, whose performance is based on the relative placement between Halbach array arrangement and MR gel. Smart MR gel with 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt% and 80 wt% of soft magnetic particles used as the transfer medium and Halbach array is adopted as magnetic excitation system. Its magnetic/mechanical analysis is carried out based on Bingham-plastics model using COMSOL Multiphysics software, which takes into account the variation of dynamic viscosity with magnetic flux density. The distribution of the magnetic flux density, shear yield stress, post-yield viscosity, shear stress and torque in the four flow channels during the transition from engagement state to disengagement state are obtained and analyzed in detail. Multi-physics field characteristics of proposed MR gel clutch with five kinds of MR gels are studied and compared in order to give some useful suggestions in the design phase. Finally, the dynamic torque of the MR clutch with different MR gel is experimentally evaluated.

Review on high-temperature superconducting REBCO trapped field magnets

Abstract Superconducting (SC) magnets can generate exceptionally high magnetic fields and can be employed in various applications to enhance system power density. In contrast to conventional coil-based SC magnets, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) trapped field magnets (TFMs), namely HTS trapped field bulks (TFBs) and trapped field stacks (TFSs), can eliminate the need for continuous power supply or current leads during operation and thus can function as super permanent magnets. TFMs can potentially trap very high magnetic fields, with the highest recorded trapped field reaching 17.89 T, achieved by TFSs. TFMs find application across diverse fields, including rotating machinery, magnetic bearings, energy storage flywheels, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, a systematic review of the advancement of TFMs over the last decade remains lacking, which is urgently needed by industry, especially in response to the global net zero target. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of TFMs, including simulation methods, experimental studies, fabrication techniques, magnetisation processes, applications, and demagnetisation issues. Several respects have been elucidated in detail to enhance the understanding of TFMs, encompassing the formation of HTS bulk composites and TFSs, trapped field patterns, enhancement of trapped field strength through pulsed field magnetisation (PFM), as well as their applications such as SC rotating machines, levitation, and Halbach arrays. Challenges such as demagnetisation, mechanical failure, and thermal instability have been illuminated, along with proposed mitigation measures. The different roles of ferromagnetic materials in improving the trapped field during magnetisation and in reducing demagnetisation have also been summarised. It is believed that this review article can provide a useful reference for the theoretical analysis, manufacturing, and applications of TFMs within various domains such as materials science, power engineering, and clean energy conversion.

Halbach structure parameter optimization by Maxwell tensor method for PML in manned hybrid maglev

This paper presents an optimization of the Halbach structure parameters for the permanent magnetic levitation (PML) component in manned hybrid maglev system using Maxwell tensor method. The focus is on enhancing the levitation force and reducing the lateral stiffness, which are important for improving the system’s load capacity and lateral stability. Based on the analysis of the magnetic flux density formula as presented by Halbach (1985), seven structural parameters were reduced to four independent variables. The Maxwell tensor formulation enabled the derivation of analytical expressions for the levitation force and stiffness, leading to identification of parametier conbinations that maximize magneitc properties. Contour plots were constructed to visually demonstrate the impact of parameter variations on magnetic characteristics, including magnetic flux density, levitation force, and lateral stiffness. Ultimately, a series of optimization cases for structural parameters were proposed in accordance with the design requirements of the manned hybrid Maglev system, and these cases were comprehensively evaluated through contour plot analysis. Furthermore, the finite element software FEMM was utilized to model and validate the optimal cases, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the analytical expressions for magnetic properties and the optimization strategy. This research not only provides theoretical support for the design of PML components but also offers new insights into the optimization of magnetic characteristics for hybrid maglev systems.

High-Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Levitation With the Halbach Array and V-Shaped Combined Permanent Magnet Guideway

High-Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Levitation With the Halbach Array and V-Shaped Combined Permanent Magnet Guideway

Study on the Accurate Magnetic Field Analytical Model of an Inertial Magnetic Levitation Actuator Considering End Effects

To address the demand for low noise and high stealthiness in ships and other vessels, this paper innovatively proposes an inertial magnetic levitation actuator based on non-uniform-sized Halbach permanent magnet arrays. To improve control accuracy, it is necessary to establish an accurate analytical model of the magnetic field and then obtain an accurate electromagnetic force model. However, the distortion of the magnetic field at the ends produces end effects, resulting in thrust fluctuations that affect the actuator’s control accuracy. Therefore, considering the end effects is necessary to establish an accurate analytical model of the magnetic field. To analyze the end leakage magnetic field of the Halbach array, the concept of a mechanical pseudo-cycle in the actuator is proposed, and the cycle of a Fourier series is redefined. A completed analytical expression of the Halbach array magnetic field distribution is derived by the new Fourier series, in which the end leakage magnetic field is contained. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by solving the analytical model of the magnetic field, and the analytical results are compared with finite element simulations and experimental tests.

Evaluation of magnetic orientation in dual-stator linear permanent magnet vernier machine for wave energy conversion

The Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine (PMVM) is favored for wave energy conversion due to its high torque production at low speeds and straightforward design. This study introduces the innovative Dual Stator Linear Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine (DSLPMVM) with concentrated winding. In this design, permanent magnets (PMs) are strategically placed on both the stator and a segmented translator, enhancing system reliability. The stator utilizes a simple PM layout, while the translator features a Halbach array. This research advances the DSLPMVM’s performance through the optimal placement and orientation of magnets, alongside a meticulous selection of tooth types. The paper rigorously evaluated all possible magnetic orientations and eight distinct stator tooth models. Detailed comparisons of flux linkage, back electromotive force (back-EMF), inductance, efficiency, power factor (PF), and force were conducted to identify the most effective designs.

Cross-Halbach magnetic levitation configuration for density-based measurement, separation and detection

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) is a well-documented and widely-applied technique in accurate, sensitive, and untethered testing of living and non-living materials in both macroscale and microscale. However, most magnetic levitation configurations face the dilemma between working range and sensitivity, since the distance between the two like-pole-facing magnets are in positive relationship with sensitivity, but negative with measuring range. And there exists a maximum distance for MagLev configurations where the misalignment happens when the distance is too large, which is a restriction on the working space and measurement range of the MagLev devices. In this paper, we propose a novel configuration based on the principle of Halbach array, namely the Cross-Halbach MagLev configuration. By doing parallel comparisons with the Standard MagLev consisting of magnets of the same size, we determined the superiority of the Cross-Halbach configuration in magnetic flux density (0.47 T) and B→∙∇B→z (6.25 T2/m), maximum distance (90 mm), sensitivity (525 mm/(g/cm3)) and wide linear zone on B→∙∇B→z (42 mm). To demonstrate and further explore the potential of the Cross-Halbach MagLev, we carried out a series of experiments, including density measurements of standard beads and different polymers, detection and separation of similar polymers with minute difference in density, and nondestructive detection of voids. The results indicate that the proposed magnetic levitation configuration is competent of density-based applications and can serve as a new solution to high-sensitivity measurement and detection.

Analysis and Simulation of Permanent Magnet Adsorption Performance of Wall-Climbing Robot

In response to problems such as insufficient adhesion, difficulty in adjustment, and weak obstacle-crossing capabilities in traditional robots, an innovative design has been developed for a five-wheeled climbing robot equipped with a pendulum-style magnetic control adsorption module. This design effectively reduces the weight of the robot, and sensors on the magnetic adsorption module enable real-time monitoring of magnetic force. Intelligent control adjusts the pendulum angle to modify the magnetic force according to different wall conditions. The magnetic adsorption module, using a Halbach array, enhances the concentration effect of the magnetic field, ensuring excellent performance in high-load tasks such as building maintenance, bridge inspection, and ship cleaning. The five-wheel structural design enhances the stability and obstacle-crossing capability, making it suitable for all-terrain environments. Simulation experiments using Maxwell analyzed the effects of the magnetic gap and the angle between the adsorption module and the wall, and mechanical performance analysis confirmed the robot’s ability to adhere safely and operate stably.

Comparative analysis and optimization design of dual-side-permanent-magnet Halbach array vernier machine for high torque density

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze a dual-side-permanent-magnet Halbach array vernier (DSPMHV) machine and to propose methods for achieving high torque density.Design/methodology/approachFlux harmonics and torque characteristics are analyzed by using finite element analysis. First, a suitable pole-slot combination is selected by comparison. Second, field modulation processes of DSPMHV machine are analyzed to identify the reason for high torque density. And it is compared with dual-side-PM (DSPM) machine to analyze flux harmonic and verify the flux concentrating effect of the Halbach array.FindingsThe permanent magnet (PM) field of the DSPM machine is approximately equal to the superposition of stator-PM field and rotor-PM field, which is the reason for high torque density. And the Halbach array can reduce flux leakage and increase the amplitude of main flux harmonics, then further improves torque. Improvement of torque can be achieved by choosing right pole-slot combination, adopting DSPM machine structure, reducing flux leakage and adopting field modulation principle.Originality/valueThe DSPMHV machine with split-tooth is proposed in this paper by combining the Halbach array with DSPM structure. This paper analyzes the bidirectional field modulation process, the reason for high torque density of the DSPM machine is obtained. Comparison with the DSPM machine verifies the flux concentrating effect of Halbach array. To alleviate the magnetic saturation in part of stator teeth, this paper proposes an improved DSPMHV machine with shaped auxiliary magnet.

Enhancing the magnetic field gradient between two superconductors with rotational motion under a background DC field

The ability of bulk high-temperature superconductors to trap magnetic flux densities up to one order of magnitude larger than the saturation magnetization of conventional ferromagnetic materials offers the prospect of generating large magnetic flux density gradients. Combining multiple superconductors, akin to assembling a Halbach array of permanent magnets, may increase the generated gradient even further. The associated challenge is that superconductors are prone to demagnetization when exposed to field components perpendicular to their main magnetization direction. In the present work, we investigate the magnetic flux density gradient achieved with a pair of cubic, bulk, large-grain melt-textured superconductors in the presence of a background DC magnetic field at 77 K. We investigate the increase of the performance when decreasing the temperature down to 59 K. The studied configuration consists in two facing cubic YBa2Cu3O 7−x superconductors of 6 mm side with anti-parallel magnetization directions. It is obtained after the simultaneous magnetization of the samples followed by a rotation of 180∘ of the top superconductor. Although the background field reduces the trapped field ability of individual samples, it is shown that this phenomenon is significantly mitigated at 65 K and at 59 K compared to 77 K. The results reveal that a sample-to-sample distance ( ∼16 mm) of the order of their size is sufficient to avoid any mutual demagnetization effect during the rotational motion. Furthermore, it is shown that decreasing the temperature is not only beneficial in increasing the field and field gradient achieved but also in extending the range of background fields in which the superconductor can be rotated without demagnetization. This superconducting assembly yields a magnetic flux density gradient exceeding that of an isolated superconductor and has the potential to surpass the capabilities of permanent magnets.

A study on maglev force and vibration attenuation characteristics of quasi-zero stiffness cruciform maglev isolator.

This paper aims to study the maglev force and vibration attenuation characteristics of quasi-zero stiffness cruciform maglev isolators (CMIs). The maglev force and stiffness of CMIs were analytically computed based on equivalent charge theory, and the transfer function of the system was conducted. The effects of magnet geometry parameters and air gap on the maglev force, stiffness, and vibration transmission characteristics of the CMI system were revealed through parametric analyses. With the increase in magnet length and width, the maximum value of maglev force increases, but the displacement range of near-zero stiffness, amplitude, and phase of the system gradually decrease. With the increase in magnet height, the displacement range of near-zero stiffness increases, while the variation in the amplitude and phase of the system has minimal impact. Meanwhile, in the Halbach array, the height variation of the magnet at different positions has different impacts on the magnetic force. As the air gap increases, the maximum value of maglev force decreases, but the amplitude and phase gradually increase, and the displacement range of near-zero stiffness first rises and then decreases. Finally, an experimental study was carried out to test the vibration attenuation characteristics of CMIs, in which sinusoidal excitation, hammer strike excitation, and random excitation were applied.

Nonlinear Model for Halbach Array Axial Flux Permeant Magnet Motor in Stator and Rotor Reference Frames Based on Harmonic Modeling Technique

Nonlinear Model for Halbach Array Axial Flux Permeant Magnet Motor in Stator and Rotor Reference Frames Based on Harmonic Modeling Technique

A compact and portable gamma-ray spectrometer (GRASP) for inertial confinement fusion and basic science experiments.

A compact and portable gamma-ray spectrometer has been designed to diagnose different components of the inertial confinement fusion-relevant γ-ray spectrum with energies between ∼3.7-17.9MeV. The system is designed to be as compact as possible for convenient transportation and fielding in diagnostic ports on the OMEGA laser, the National Ignition Facility, and other photon-source facilities. The system consists of a conversion foil for Compton scattering in front of four magnetic spectrometer "arms," each covering a different energy range and constructed out of cylindrical permanent magnet Halbach arrays. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to optimize and assess the performance of the conversion foil, and COSY INFINITY ion-optical simulations have been used to optimize the spectrometer magnets. The performance of the design is assessed for a simulated direct-drive γ-ray spectrum. Spanning its total γ-ray energy bandwidth and using a 1.7mm thick boron conversion foil, the system's total energy resolution and efficiency are ∼15.8%-4.5% and 5.4 × 10-7-3.7 × 10-7e-/γ, respectively, with room for improvement. Spectral γ-ray measurements will provide guidance to the inertial confinement fusion program toward achieving high-energy gain relevant to inertial fusion energy and enable new measurement capabilities for basic discovery science.

Numerical simulations on the AC loss of REBCO stacks under rotating magnetic fields

AC loss presents a significant challenge for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) rotating machines. To date, the behaviour of total AC loss (Qtol) (with current) and magnetization loss (Qm) (without current) in a single HTS tape under rotating magnetic fields (RF) have been explored. However, a research gap remains in understanding how these findings translate to the more complex HTS windings of rotating machines. Further exploration is needed to understand the loss behaviour of more complex HTS structures, such as HTS stacks. In this work, Qtol and Qm, in the HTS stacks under RF and a perpendicular AC standing wave magnetic field are numerically investigated. Two different RF models are considered: one is the Uni-RF model, characterized by a uniform field with equal field amplitudes and phases at each position, and the other is a non-uniform field created by a rotating Halbach array, referred to as the Hal-RF model. The dependence of AC loss on parameters such as the number of tapes in the stacks, tape width (2a), and the inclination angle (α) of tapes, which refers to the angle between the normal direction of the stack and the vertical direction, have been explored. The number of tapes in the stacks ranges from 1 to 16, α ranges from 0° to 90°, and the tape width includes 4 mm and 40 mm. Additionally, different rotating field directions are also considered. Interestingly, the analytical values from Brandt and Indenbom equation for Qm of a superconducting strip (BI-strip) are close to Qm results of the stacks under the standing wave at high fields, while they are over twice as high as those in the Hal-RF model at 1 T. This suggests the BI-strip equation is not reliable for predicting Qm under RF at high fields. We also show in the Hal-RF model that different rotation directions of the field lead to varying Qm and Qtol when asymmetric Jc (B, θ) data are applied. Moreover, it has been observed that the inclination angle has no impact on Qm under uniform RF while significantly impacts both Qm and Qtol in the Hal-RF model.

Design of a large energy acceptance beamline using fixed field accelerator optics

Large energy acceptance arcs have been proposed for applications such as cancer therapy, muon accelerators, and recirculating linacs. The efficacy of hadron therapy can be improved by reducing the energy layer switching time, however this is currently limited by the small momentum acceptance of the beam delivery system (<±1%). A “closed-dispersion arc” with a large momentum acceptance has the potential to remove this bottleneck, however such a beamline has not yet been constructed. We have developed a design methodology for large momentum acceptance arcs with Fixed Field Accelerator optics, applying it to a demonstrator beam delivery system for protons at 0.5–3.0 MeV (±42% momentum acceptance) as part of the Technology for Ultra-Rapid Beam Operation project at the University of Melbourne. Using realistic magnetic fields, a beamline has been designed with zero dispersion at either end. An algorithm has been devised for the construction of permanent magnet Halbach arrays for this beamline with multipole error below one part in 104, using commercially available magnets. The sensitivity to errors has been investigated, finding that the delivered beam is robust in realistic conditions. This study demonstrates that a closed-dispersion arc with fixed fields can achieve a large momentum acceptance, and we outline future work required to develop these ideas into a complete proof-of-principle beam delivery system that can be scaled up for a medical facility. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A High Torque Density Dual-Stator Flux-Reversal-Machine with Multiple Poles Halbach Excitation on Outer Stator

This paper proposes a high torque density dual-stator flux-reversal-machine with multiple poles Halbach excitation (MPHE-DSFRM), which uses two pole pairs’ numbers (PPNs) of PM excitation on one outer stator tooth, and one PPN of PM excitation on one inner stator tooth. The introduction of different PPNs of PM excitation on the outer and the inner stators can optimize magnetic circuit and airgap flux density. A Halbach array is formed by inserting three pieces of circumferentially magnetized PMs into four pieces of radially magnetized permanent magnets (PMs) on the outer stator, which aims to further enhance torque density, and reduce torque ripple. Based on the flux modulation effect, the analytical modeling of the proposed MPHE-DSFRM is established, together with the evolution process, and the working principle is presented. Then, the key design parameters of MPHE-DSFRM are optimized to achieve high torque density and low torque ripple for high torque quality. Three representative DSFRMs and a conventional FRM are designed and analyzed, and they share the same design key parameters, including PM usage, outer radius of the outer stator, and active airgap length. The electromagnetic performances, including airgap flux density, back electromotive force (back-EMF), and torque characteristics, are analyzed and compared by finite element analysis (FEA). The calculated results show that the proposed MPHE-DSFRM can provide high torque density and high PM utilization.

Processing Optimization for Halbach Array Magnetic Field-Assisted Magnetic Abrasive Particles Polishing of Titanium Alloy.

To extend the working life of products made of titanium alloy, it is necessary to improve the polishing method to diminish the remaining defects on the workpiece surface. The Halbach array-assisted magnetic abrasive particle polishing method for titanium alloy was employed in this work. The distribution of magnetic field strength was simulated and verified at first to learn the characteristics of the Halbach array used in this work. Then, the polishing performance of the polishing tool was studied by conducting the polishing test, which aimed to display the relationship between shear force and surface roughness with polishing time, and the surface morphology during polishing was also analyzed. Following the establishment of the response surface model, a study on the optimal polishing parameters was conducted to obtain the suitable parameters for maximum shear force and minimum surface roughness. The results show that the maximum shear force 6.11 N and minimum surface roughness Sa 88 nm can be attained, respectively, under the conditions of (1) polishing tool speed of 724.254 r·min-1, working gap of 0.5 mm, and abrasive particle size of 200 μm; and (2) polishing tool speed of 897.87 r·min-1, working gap of 0.52 mm, and abrasive particle size of 160 μm.

Circular Halbach array integrated using an abrasive circulating system during the ultra-precision machining of polymethyl methacrylate optical material

A novel approach to enhancing the efficacy and surface quality of magnetic polishing involves the incorporation of a magnetic liquid circulation system for abrasive particle regeneration in conjunction with a circular Halbach array. The continuous renewal of abrasive particles within the polishing zone is realised through a conveyor belt that transports new abrasive particles into the polishing liquid solution. This formation of a continuously circulating polishing system ensures uninterrupted magnetic finishing processes and maintains stability throughout the polishing operation. This study extensively explores polishing force distribution, magnetic field distribution and abrasive grain behaviour in the polishing area facilitated by the magnetic liquid solution. The application of the proposed polishing processes to polymethyl methacrylate, an optical lens material, aims to comprehend the characteristics and validate the feasibility of the polishing method. Key influencing factors in the magnetic polishing process, including abrasive grain size, magnetic particle, polishing distance and conveyor speed to surface quantity, are examined through experimental analysis. Results of the experimental polishing processes demonstrate that the utilisation of circular Halbach arrays with circulating abrasives produces a nanometric surface finish. Even in the polishing of polymethyl methacrylate with an initial rough surface (Ra = 464.895 nm), the process achieves an ultra-fine level with Ra below 9 nm without disruption in the material polishing processes of optical lenses.

Achieving Long‐Range Arbitrary Uniform Alignment of Nanostructures in Magnetic Fields

AbstractFor magnetic field orientation of nonstructures to become a viable method to create high performance multifunctional nanocomposites, it is of paramount importance to develop a method that is easy to implement and that can induce long‐range uniform nanostructural alignment. To overcome this challenge, inspired by low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, a highly uniform, high field strength, and compact magnetic‐field nanostructure orientation methodology is presented for polymeric nanocomposites using a Halbach array, for the first time. Potential new advances are showcased for applications of graphene polymer composites by considering their electro‐thermal and antibacterial properties in highly oriented orthogonal morphologies. The high level of anisotropy induced in the graphene nanocomposites studied stands out through: 1) up to four decades higher electrical conductivities recorded in comparison to their randomly oriented counterparts, at concentrations where the latter show minimal improvements compared to the unfilled polymer; 2) over 1200% improvement in thermal conductivity, 3) antibacterial surfaces at field benchmark levels with lower filler content and with the added versatility of arbitrary orientation of the nanofillers. Overall, the new method and variations thereof can open up new horizons for tailoring nanostructure and performance for virtually all major nanocomposite applications based on graphene and other types of fillers.

Enhancing unilateral EMAT performance through topological optimization of Halbach permanent Magnet arrays

A novel unilaterally excited electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is proposed as a solution to address the challenge of weak electromagnetic ultrasonic detection signals being susceptible to interference from clutter noise signals. EMAT employs Halbach permanent magnet array (HPMA) structure and a coil designed based on Huygens superposition principle. This design enables the generation and reception of highly directive Rayleigh surface waves in aluminum plates. To enhance the operational efficiency of EMAT while maintaining a high level of directivity for surface waves, a penalty function is implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics for the topological optimization of EMAT. The objective function in this optimization process is based on covariance (COV) of the magnetic induction intensity. The research results suggest that the homogeneity of the magnetic induction intensity within the coil region is enhanced by 50 % following topological optimization compared to the original design. The energy conversion efficiency of EMAT is enhanced by 5 times compared to traditional designs. The surface wave speed was determined to be 2631 m/s when measured at a frequency of 400 kHz. The value indicates a relative error of 6.37 % in comparison to the theoretical speed. The results indicate that EMAT has the capability to generate high-directional and pure Rayleigh waves.