Modelling and testing of a frictionless levitated micromotor

C. B. Williams, C. Shearwood, P. H. Mellor, R. B. Yates

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

This paper describes a frictionless micromotor, in which an aluminium rotor is levitated, constrained laterally and rotated by electromagnetic induction. The initial application for this motor is in a novel rotating yaw-rate sensor. The stable levitation and torque are produced by the use of high-frequency magnetic fields generated by a multi-pole stator coil. The results of analytic and finite-element modelling of the static and dynamic characteristics of the motor are presented, and the factors which affect the stability of the levitation system and the maximum speed of rotation are examined in depth, along with suggestions for further improvements. During initial testing the motor achieved angular velocities in excess of 1000 rpm, with controlled levitation heights of 5-35 μm. The motor has run for over 100 h without degradation, and because of the absence of friction excellent reliability is expected.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)469-473
Number of pages5
JournalSensors and Actuators, A: Physical
Volume61
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 1997

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors Wish to thank Paul Haine~ for his technical suppnrt, This project was financed by the University of Sheffield.

Keywords

  • Electrodynamic levitation
  • Electromagnetic induction
  • Frictionless
  • Micromotors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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