Combined passive magnetic bearing element and vibration damper

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001

OSTI ID:873570

Post, Richard F ^[1]

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1. Walnut Creek, CA

A magnetic bearing system contains magnetic subsystems which act together to support a rotating element in a state of dynamic equilibrium and dampen transversely directed vibrations. Mechanical stabilizers are provided to hold the suspended system in equilibrium until its speed has exceeded a low critical speed where dynamic effects take over, permitting the achievement of a stable equilibrium for the rotating object. A state of stable equilibrium is achieved above a critical speed by use of a collection of passive elements using permanent magnets to provide their magnetomotive excitation. In a improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,221, a magnetic bearing element is combined with a vibration damping element to provide a single upper stationary dual-function element. The magnetic forces exerted by such an element, enhances levitation of the rotating object in equilibrium against external forces, such as the force of gravity or forces arising from accelerations, and suppresses the effects of unbalance or inhibits the onset of whirl-type rotor-dynamic instabilities. Concurrently, this equilibrium is made stable against displacement-dependent drag forces of the rotating object from its equilibrium position.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6191515
• OSTI ID: 873570
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

combined
passive
magnetic
bearing
element
vibration
damper
contains
subsystems
support
rotating
dynamic
equilibrium
dampen
transversely
directed
vibrations
mechanical
stabilizers
provided
hold
suspended
speed
exceeded
critical
effects
permitting
achievement
stable
achieved
collection
elements
permanent
magnets
provide
magnetomotive
excitation
improvement
495
221
damping
single
upper
stationary
dual-function
forces
exerted
enhances
levitation
external
force
gravity
arising
accelerations
suppresses
unbalance
inhibits
onset
whirl-type
rotor-dynamic
instabilities
concurrently
displacement-dependent
drag
position
bearing element
magnetic force
passive magnetic
magnetic forces
stable equilibrium
vibration damping
magnetic bearing
permanent magnet
permanent magnets
type rotor
passive elements
rotating element
combined passive
forces exerted
forces arising
external forces
dynamic effects
dynamic equilibrium
magnetic subsystems
contains magnetic
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