Experimental Study on the Adjustability of Radial Stiffness in a Repulsive Magnetic Bearing Device

This paper studies the ability to adjust the stiffness in the radial direction on a non-contact levitated rotor by using an independent motion control of permanent magnets. The method of stabilization in the axial direction, by moving a magnet for support like an inverted pendulum, is applied. The repulsive forces in the radial direction depend not only on the size and physical characteristics of magnets but also on the relative positioning of magnets to each other in the axial direction. This work shows the principles and the one of necessary methods of motion control for successful adjustability of the radial stiffness.