Braking force characteristics and multi-objective optimization of eddy current brake under intensive impact load

As a new type of permanent magnet arrangement in the eddy current brake (ECB), the Halbach array is gradually gaining attention thanks to its excellent magnetic field utilization. However, the absence of an accurate theoretical model causes great distress in the design phase of the ECB. To tackle this, this article establishes a subdomain model that can intuitively observe the influence of structural and material parameters on the magnetic field and eddy current braking force. The accuracy of the analytical model is verified by the finite element method (FEM). The calculation results show that the eddy current braking force is the largest when the relative velocity of the primary and secondary reaches the critical velocity value. The recoil equation of motion is introduced to analyze the change law of the braking force under intensive impact load. A small prototype impact test platform was set up to analyze the change of braking characteristics of the ECB under the impact load. To reduce the weight of the ECB, the multi-objective optimization of the ECB parameters is carried out. The vital structural mass of the ECB is reduced by 19.44% while meeting the recoil requirements.