A SIMULATION OF MAGNETIC SUSPENSION AND BALANCE SYSTEM FOR WIND TUNNEL

Kaymak, Zeynep

A SIMULATION OF MAGNETIC SUSPENSION AND BALANCE SYSTEM FOR WIND TUNNEL

Open Access

Author:

Kaymak, Zeynep

Graduate Program:

Mechanical Engineering

Degree:

Master of Science

Document Type:

Master Thesis

Date of Defense:

November 12, 2018

Committee Members:

Rui Ni, Thesis Advisor
Paris R Vonlockette, Committee Member

Keywords:

Magnetic Suspension and Balance Systems
MSBS
Electromagnetic Levitation
COMSOL Multiphysics
AC/DC module
Electromagnetic Force

Abstract:

Wind tunnels are used to examine the airflow around the model and measure the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on this body. In many studies, the aerodynamic model is supported by mechanical supporting systems which can cause some disturbances on the flow around the model and reduce the accuracy of results. On the other hand, magnetic suspension and balance systems (MSBS) are designed for suspension the model without any mechanical support in wind tunnel tests, which is a very ideal way to deal with undesirable effects of support structures. This study presents the modeling and simulation of the MSBS by COMSOL Multiphysics, AC/DC module, which provides opportunities to generate and analyze magnetic fields and forces produced by magnets and coils for testing different geometries and configurations. It is carried out with an airfoil type object, NACA 0012, for wind tunnel having a 0.47-meter width and 0.3-meter height test section. The system was designed for both the 2-D and 3-D geometry and consisted of four permanent magnets and four electromagnets to control airfoil in the vertical direction. The current through the electromagnets was rearranged for each simulation to determine magnetic force on the levitation of airfoil to balance gravitational and aerodynamic forces on it, which was measured by COMSOL as well. Electromagnetic force on z-direction for the 3-D study was validated with magnetic dipole calculation. Replicated studies were used to verify general the simulation methodology using the same boundary condition for different geometries.