A Novel Eddy Current Brake Using Graded Conductivity and Wavenumber to Maximize Force

American Maglev Technology, Inc. (AMT) is pleased to respond to the Navy's Advanced Eddy Current Braking Technology STTR. AMT was approached by The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) to team on the development of a replacement for the Navy's high maintenance water brake. This team proposes a unique, passive eddy current brake to accomplish the same result and fit in the existing allocated water brake spaces. An unusual combination of material composition and permanent magnet (PM) size and spacing allows that peak force per unit length to be effective during the entire deceleration. Both are linearly graded over the length of the eddy current conducting spear and the PM magnets remain stationary. The geometry is coaxial, hence magnetically self centering ensuring a clean coaxial translation during deceleration. Powerful PM magnets at the entry of the brake are tapered to correct power cylinder misalignment and transition to a small magnetic air gap. Phase I will consist of an optimization of design variables followed by a proof of principle demonstration made possible by matching funds by American Maglev.