Levitation Technology Research Articles

CARD5: Chronic In-vivo evaluation of the BiVACOR rotary total artificial heart

Purpose: The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) combines magnetic levitation and rotary blood pump technology to create a small, durable and physiologically compatible device capable of replacing the failing heart. Pulsatile outflow is achieved via cyclic changes in pump speed, while large clearance gaps and flow paths improve hemocompatibility. The TAH is designed for implantation in women and some children, yet powerful enough to support adult males undergoing exercise. In preparation for first-in-human trials, in-vivo studies were undertaken using clinical-grade devices. Methods: The BiVACOR TAH was implanted into five calves (82 – 108 kg) for 30 days before elective termination. Hemodynamics, left-right balance, hemocompatibility, and end organ function were monitored throughout the study, while evidence of significant thromboembolism was evaluated at study termination via necropsy. Results: All five calves regained all physiological function (eating, drinking, defecating, standing, and regular treadmill exercise). The TAH demonstrated reliable operation, provided suitable hemodynamics (MAP 111 ± 6 mmHg, CVP 12 ± 5 mmHg, est.QL 12 ± 1 l/min) with pulsatile outflow (up to 40 mmHg @ 60BPM) and acceptable left/right balance (est.LAP-CVP 7.6 ± 3 mmHg). Normal end organ function was maintained (CREA 1 ± 0.44 mg/dL) with excellent hemocompatibility (pfHb 4.34 ± 0.74 mg/dL, LDH 1110 ± 182 U/L), while showing no evidence of significant device related thrombi or end organ dysfunction at necropsy. Summary: The BiVACOR TAH demonstrated promising chronic physiological performance, hemocompatibility, and physiological interaction. These results underpin progression of the BiVACOR TAH to first-in-human studies. The work was supported by NIH NHLBI under award number R44HL137454.

An Analysis of the Requirements for a Sustainable Lunar Transportation System to Enable Initial DIANA Infrastructure

The Dedicated Infrastructure and Architecture for Near-Earth Astronautics (DIANA) is a design concept for a self-sustainable lunar village near the de Gerlache crater, on the lunar South Pole, comprising tourists and astronauts alike. The village will be permanently inhabited and will exploit future technologies to achieve independence from a majority of Earth resupply missions. Execution of the initial construction phase of the DIANA infrastructure depends primarily on the persistent supply of in-situ construction material, regolith. Lunar raw materials also primarily contribute to the life support systems (LSS) and the radiation protection for the inhabited modules. To enable ISRU, resources need to be transported using diverse locomotion systems on the unexplored lunar terrain. A self-sustainable lunar base requires to be built on an ecosystem that facilitates continuous transportation of materials, humans (astronauts and tourists) and robotic systems. This paper focuses on a detailed comprehension of the design, feasibility, and economic requirements of a transportation ecosystem concept explicitly dedicated to the establishment and development of the DIANA lunar village. The mission objectives and top level requirements pertaining to the individual transportation systems will be derived from the detected necessities that are defined for alternative transportation technologies that efficiently provide large amounts of lunar raw material for the construction of lunar infrastructure as well as water ice from the de Gerlache Crater, which shall primarily contribute to the LSS and the production of rocket fuel. While transporting humans, factors such as time, comfort, and risk mitigation play a major role, and are therefore, discussed thoroughly within the framework of this study. Using this study as the principal foundation, a phase 0/A design study illustrating a novel transportation infrastructure concept based on magnetic levitation technology would be developed for efficient transportation of resources and people across the lunar surface. This transportation concept shall be sustainably manufactured using the abundant lunar resources to minimize costs and resupply missions in the long term to pave the way for an independent lunar village.

A novel magnetic circuit and structure for magnetic levitation ruler

The single axis linear displacement measurement system of CMM is composed of grating ruler, servo motor and linear motion mechanism. Although the measuring accuracy of grating ruler is high, the accuracy of servo motor and linear motion mechanism is low. Therefore, the complex structure limits the measurement accuracy of the linear displacement measurement system. This paper introduces a novel linear displacement measurement system named magnetic levitation ruler. According to the working principle of grating ruler and the characteristics of magnetic levitation technology, the magnetic circuit design and structural design of magnetic levitation ruler are completed in this paper. The mover core of the magnetic levitation ruler is in the stable working magnetic field provided by the stator yoke. The horizontal control coil wound on the mover core can obtain more stable ampere force to improve the control accuracy of the mover core displacement. Therefore, the mover core can be moved in step mode, and the length of each step is fixed. Each step is the minimum scale of the magnetic levitation ruler. Therefore, the mover core can implement displacement measurement while moving in a linear motion. This paper analyzes the working principle of levitation, horizontal motion, and displacement measurement of magnetic levitation ruler, and determines the structural materials and parameters of magnetic levitation ruler with the help of finite element analysis software. The simulation results show that the levitation force of the magnetic levitation ruler is proportional to the current passing through the levitation coils, and the thrust of the horizontal control coil is less disturbed by the magnetic field. Compared with the linear displacement measurement system with rotational servo motor or permanent magnet synchronous linear motor as the core, the magnetic levitation ruler has stable magnetic field, strong controllability, high integration, and is easier to achieve high-precision control.

Design of a Noncontact Torsion Testing Device Using Magnetic Levitation Mechanism

To facilitate torsion testing in special environments, a noncontact torsion testing device, where a noncontact torque can be transmitted to a specimen, was developed using magnetic levitation technology. A permanent magnetic gear is used to produce noncontact torque. In addition, four electromagnets and four attractive-type permanent magnetic bearings were employed to realize levitation; in more detail, the four electromagnets actively stabilized two levitation degrees of freedom (DoFs), while the four attractive-type permanent magnetic bearings passively stabilized four DoFs. Furthermore, a plant model considering the effect caused by the four attractive-type permanent magnetic bearings was built for the two levitation DoFs requiring active control. Based on the plant model, two PD-controllers were designed. Moreover, a control simulation was conducted to obtain appropriate PD-gains. Finally, experiments further validated the feasibility of the whole scheme, and it was proven that the device can apply a 0.126 N·m torque to the specimen while maintaining levitation.

Clinical effect of magnetic compression anastomosis on ureterostenosis after kidney transplantation.

Clinical effect of magnetic compression anastomosis on ureterostenosis after kidney transplantation.

Levitating a Particle using Acoustic Levitation

Acoustic levitation is a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the attention of researchers and engineers for many years. This project aims to explore the possibilities and potential applications of acoustic levitation technology. Using an array or a couple of ultrasonic transducers, we were able to create a standing wave that allowed us to levitate small objects, such as water droplets and tiny plastic beads. We investigated the effects of different parameters, such as frequency and amplitude, on the levitation process. Various applications demonstrate the potential of acoustic levitation such as drug delivery, microfabrication, and even space exploration. This project highlights the exciting possibilities of acoustic levitation technology and lays the foundation for future research in this field. Key Words: Acoustic waves, Ultrasonic transducers, Levitation, Arduino, Standing waves.

Robust-PID controller design for magnetic levitation system using parameter space approach

Recently, implementation of air magnetic suspension systems has become more challenging due to the growing demand for lightweight technologies, comfortable cabins, vehicle safety stability, and pollution control. Magnetic levitation, or Maglev, is the method of propelling a target into the air by adjusting different magnetic forces. The absence of contact and the avoidance of wear and friction phenomena are key considerations in the applications of magnetic levitation technology. Due to the high nonlinearity in the modelling process of such kind of systems, the stabilizing of magnetic levitation has been considered as a challenging task for many researchers in control engineering sector. The computation of all stabilizing PID gains controllers for the magnetic levitation benchmark ED-4810 (Maglev) is demonstrated in this paper using two different scenarios. In the first one, the tuning parameters of the classical PID controller (KP, KI, and KD) are assumed to be the uncertain parameters. The second scenario demonstrates the uncertainty in the transfer function of the system by using the resistance and the inductance as uncertain parameters. The characteristic polynomial of the linearized uncertain model is shown to be an unstable affine polynomial using the Zero Exclusion Theorem and the singular frequencies technique. The parameter space approach is used to illustrate the values of all PID parameters in order to achieve robust stability in the two scenarios. The effectiveness of the presented graphical technique has been verified through MATLAB simulation to obtain robust stability for magnetic levitation systems.

PID Control of Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) System

Magnetic levitation is a process of drifting or shifting an object with a certain reference, by creating a repulsive force from the gravity of an object caused by an electromagnetic field without noise. In modern times like today, with the density of community activities, especially those living in urban areas, it is necessary to be able to carry out activities efficiently as well as quickly. Therefore, the reason for many people to be able to find an innovative solution to make it easier for humans to carry out their activities. One of the innovations that can be a solution to the limited space and time is in the development of magnetic levitation technology. The system that will be used in controlling this maglev is to use a PID controller. Using this PID control will be tested with several , , and values with a setpoint of 950. At the initial tunning with the values =2, =0.01, and =2. Then in the second test using the values =3, =0.1, and =0.3. Software testing is also carried out using matlab. The exact PID value for controlling an elevated object can be found by changing the value of the , , and values that can be searched through a matlab software in the PID tunner feature, which can then be seen the PID tunning results by analyzing the graph that will be displayed by the PID tunner.

A deep learning approach to predict thermophysical properties of metastable liquid Ti-Ni-Cr-Al alloy

The physical properties of liquid alloy are crucial for many science fields. However, acquiring these properties remains challenging. By means of the deep neural network (DNN), here we presented a deep learning interatomic potential for the Ti–Ni–Cr–Al liquid system. Meanwhile, the thermophysical properties of the Ti–Ni–Cr–Al liquid alloy were experimentally measured by electrostatic levitation and electromagnetic levitation technologies. The DNN potential predicted this liquid system accurately in terms of both atomic structures and thermophysical properties, and the results were in agreement with the ab initio molecular dynamics calculation and the experimental values. A further study on local structure carried out by Voronoi polyhedron analysis showed that the cluster exhibited a tendency to transform into high-coordinated cluster with a decrease in the temperature, indicating the enhancement of local structure stability. This eventually contributed to the linear increase in the density and surface tension, and the exponential variation in the viscosity and the diffusion coefficient with the rise of undercooling.

Design of a Compact Planar Magnetic Levitation System with Wrench–Current Decoupling Enhancement

Magnetic levitation technology has promising applications in modern manufacturing, especially for fine-motion stage and long-range omnidirectional planar motors. This paper presents the development of a compact planar maglev prototype with the potential to achieve both applications to increase flexibility for the manufacturing system. The planar stator is designed by using optimized square coils arranged in the zigzag configuration, which provides a better uniform magnetic flux density compared with another configuration. The stator is a compact and portable module with built-in current amplifier units. The single-disc magnet mover is deployed with five controllable degrees of freedom. The cross-coupling effect is decoupled by a precomputed Lorentz force based wrench—current transformation matrix stored in the lookup table. A 2-D linear interpolation is implemented to enhance decoupling effectiveness which is offered via discrete lookup data. Experiments with motion-tracking cameras and a basic controller demonstrate the results of fine step motion of 10 and 20 µm and rotation steps of 0.5 and 1.0 mrad. The potential for multidirectional material handling is represented by a total horizontal translation range of 20 mm by 20 mm with a maximum air gap of 26 mm and a total rotation range of 20 degrees for both roll and pitch.

State of Art and Future Development of Magnetic Levitation Technology

Nowadays, with the development of the times, maglev technology is becoming more and more mature. The author of this paper focuses on the development and technology of maglev trains, introduces the development process of maglev trains in China, Japan, Germany and other countries, and describes the similarities and differences in the technology of maglev trains in each country. In the following, three types of maglev technologies are illustrated: electromagnetic levitation, electric levitation, and high-temperature superconducting maglev. The three technologies have a certain intersection in principle and use the magnetic force between the track and the train to levy. At the same time, the author introduces the different applications of each technology. In the latter part of the article, the author briefly introduced another application of magnetic suspension - magnetic suspension bearing and described its application in many fields. In the end, the author puts forward the existing problems of maglev trains and the necessity of solving them according to his point of view.

Adaptive sliding mode control of a magnetic levitation three-point bending device

This paper presents a non-contact three-point bending device based on magnetic levitation technology, in which a specimen can be bent while being levitated. As the levitated object needs to withstand an increasing bending load in levitated state, this requires the control system to have a strong robustness. Therefore, a centralized sliding mode controller (CSMC) was proposed for the levitation. Furthermore, based on CSMC, an adaptive centralized sliding mode controller with the bending load as scheduling variable (ACSMC), which is the novelty of this paper, were proposed to deal with the disturbance caused by the bending load. Simulation results demonstrated that ACSMC has good robustness to three typical bending loads, i.e., ramp load, sine load, step load. Finally, experiments were conducted and experiment results demonstrated that ACSMC allows the device to withstand ramp bending load, sine bending load and step bending load up to 50 N.

Microstructure of rapidly‐quenched ZrO2‐SiO2 glass‐ceramics fabricated by container‐less aerodynamic levitation technology

AbstractIn this work, an aerodynamic levitation technology (ALT) was utilized to prepare ZrO2‐SiO2 glass‐ceramics with two different ZrO2 contents, that is, 35 mol% and 50 mol%. The glass‐ceramics were partially melted at ∼2000°C or fully melted at ∼3000°C by ALT, followed by rapid quenching to obtain spherical glass‐ceramic beads. The phase compositions and microstructures of the glass‐ceramics were characterized. Crystallization of ZrO2 occurred during the solidification process and ZrO2 content, processing temperature, and the addition of yttrium (3 mol%) affected the crystalline phase of ZrO2. No ZrSiO4 or crystalline SiO2 were formed during the solidification process and the glass‐ceramics were away from thermodynamic equilibrium due to rapid quenching. The glass‐ceramics showed a microstructure of irregular‐shaped ZrO2 micro‐aggregates embedded in an amorphous SiO2 matrix, with lamellar twins and lattice defects formed within ZrO2 crystals. For samples prepared at ∼3000°C, a liquid‐liquid phase separation occurred in the melt, which eventually resulted in the formation of large and irregular‐shaped ZrO2 aggregates. In comparison, for samples prepared at ∼2000°C, pre‐existed ZrO2 crystals formed during heating acted as nucleation sites during the cooling process, followed by grain growth to form large ZrO2 aggregates. Solidification and microstructure formation mechanisms were proposed to elucidate the solidification process during rapid cooling and the microstructure of the glass‐ceramics obtained.

Racing Towards a Faster Tomorrow

There's a technology revolution happening that will transform the speed at which we will travel. E&T looks at five ways you could get there faster in the future. Hyperloop- a system based on tracked tubes and terminals, with pods moving free from air resistance by magnetic propulsion, theoretically transport people and goods at a speed of 700mph. Boom Overture - a supersonic transport airliner that will be built from composite materials, powered by non-afterburning turbo fans, and run entirely on sustainable aviation fuel. Electric vehicles- companies like Tesla develop vehicles such as the Model S, capable of getting from 0-60mph in 1.99 seconds and a top speed of 200mph. Circular runways- a revolutionary runway design that could save fuel costs, promote airport efficiency, save space and reduce taxi time. Maglev- high-speed rail based on magnetic levitation technology.

Research on a MEMS Microparticles Vacuum Chamber for Optical Levitation with a Built-In Vacuum Gauge

The vacuum chamber is an important part of microparticle optical levitation technology. The traditional vacuum chamber has a large volume and many peripheral components, which cannot meet the requirements of miniaturization and on-chip optical levitation technology. Therefore, this study proposes a novel microparticle vacuum chamber based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) process. This MEMS microparticle vacuum chamber adopts a “glass-silicon-glass” three-layer vacuum bonding process, with a volume of only 15 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm, including particle chamber, cantilever resonator chamber, and getter chamber, which can encapsulate microparticles in a tiny vacuum environment and realize optical levitation of microparticles. At the same time, the air pressure in the micro vacuum chamber is monitored by the cantilever resonator, which can provide a miniaturized microparticle chamber with a more accurate vacuum environment for microparticle optical levitation. The research of this paper has significance for promoting the development of miniaturized optical levitation technology.

Experimental Consideration on Suppression Effect of Elastic Vibration in Electromagnetic Levitation System for Flexible Thin Steel Plate with Curvature

Recently, research on non-contact conveyance systems using electromagnetic levitation technology has accelerated. We have constructed an electromagnetic levitation control system that keeps the relative distance between the electromagnet and steel plate constant. To investigate the levitation stability of thin steel plates, we performed magnetic levitation experiments on a thin steel plate with curvature. A physical disturbance was applied to the electromagnet units by vibrators. The electromagnet units were vibrated up and down by a vibrator. We investigated whether the bending magnetic levitation improved the levitation performance even if the magnetic levitation system was in a vibrating environment. We determined that it was possible to realize stable levitation for a steel plate under external disturbances during levitation at the optimal bending angle.

Magnetic Levitation Technology As An Object Floating Technique In Wooden Craft

Research and application of magnetic levitation have been expanded in electric motors, generators, radar monitoring systems, car-door central locks, and metal object towing devices. In the operation, the objects do not touch each other. The use of a magnet-based system that floats objects is called a levitation system. In earlier times, fine art had been comfortable with its structure. Consequently, it is not prepared to deal with electromagnetic technology systems. Magnetic levitation technology is the process of floating objects with a gravitational force that rejects or counteracts each other in a magnetic field. This research aims to provide innovations in applying magnetic levitation in designing fine artworks in Indonesia, mainly wooden crafts. The work was designed with eco-design methods. The magnetic levitation techniques have been widely applied in woodcraft art today. The process of floating objects in the air has the property of rejecting each other's components, while the use of permanent magnets sets the object's position stable. Wood material as an object medium is formed to resemble a flying bird stabilized by magnetic levitation techniques. This wooden crafts experiment featured objects spinning and hovering when exposed to the wind.

Simulation and experimental research on electromagnetic radiation from suspended permanent magnetic levitation train

With the continuous development and innovation in the field of global magnetic levitation technology, the suspended permanent magnet maglev rail transit system has emerged. At present, no mature relevant technical standard references are available in the world. To study the electromagnetic radiation problem of the permanent magnet maglev train system, we use the finite element method to simulate and analyze the Halbach array track of different combinations of suspension modules, and the six-channel high-precision magnetic field test system is used to test and compare the actual engineering magnetic fields. The results show that the permanent magnet magnetic suspension rail transit system can shield the magnetic energy of the suspension module in the rail beam to reduce the influence of electromagnetic radiation. With the increase in suspension height between the rail and vehicle magnets, the generated magnetic field intensity exhibits a significantly weakening trend. The magnetic field energy of the permanent magnet maglev train is maintained at the centimeter level. Combined with the actual project, the passengers on the train and pedestrians, and residents along the red rail are not affected by the magnetic field intensity of the permanent magnet. This paper provides a theoretical basis for resolving people’s concerns about the electromagnetic radiation of maglev trains, and provides important theoretical support for the development of maglev rail transit.

Rail Magnet Arrangements for Improved Stability of a Superconducting Transport System

Transport systems based on superconducting magnetic levitation often risk derailment by backward tilting of the shuttle away from the bank angle. To alleviate this problem, this study investigates alternative rail magnet arrangements that can offer better stability of levitation transport systems by inducing a forward bank angle tilt. The results can be used to enhance the safety of various transport applications that rely on magnetic levitation technology.

Magnetic Levitation Technology for Precision Motion Systems: A Review and Future Perspectives

Precision motion systems are the core of a wide range of manufacturing equipment and scientific instruments, and their motion performance directly determines the quality and speed of the associated manufacturing or metrology processes. Magnetically levitated precision motion systems, where the moving target is supported by magnetic forces and without any mechanical contact, provide advantages of frictionless motion, vacuum compatibility, and contamination-free operation. These features endow the magnetic levitation technology with the capability to deliver excellent overall performance for precision positioning systems. Through decades of research and engineering efforts, significant advances have been made in the actuation, sensing, design, and control of magnetically levitated precision motion systems. This paper provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the feedback control, actuation, and sensing for the magnetic levitation technology, and provides a comprehensive literature review of various magnetically levitated precision positioning systems developed over the past three decades. The final part of this paper identifies several challenges in the design and control of today’s precision motion systems using magnetic levitation and provides an outlook on the possible directions for future research and development.