Optimization of Axial Magnetic Bearing Actuators for Dynamic Performance

Axial magnetic bearing actuators often lack the bandwidth necessary to achieve the desired closed loop performance due to their nonlaminated construction. Since bandwidth can be directly related to actuator material and geometric properties, an opportunity exists to improve closed loop performance through the optimization of these properties. This prospect is exploited herein, both to demonstrate the improvements that can be obtained and to illustrate the relationship between various parameters and dynamic performance. For the latter, Pareto-optimal curves are generated exploring the influence that disk outer radius, peak force, axial gap, and magnetic permeability have upon actuator bandwidth.