Finite-element analysis of three-dimensional eddy currents in attractive electromagnetic levitation

In the design of an attractive electromagnetic levitation system, it is necessary to predict the force on the system. The finite element method is used in the paper to solve the associated electromagnetic field problem involving eddy currents. Two formulations, which are economical when used with this numerical method of solution, are compared, and the peculiarities of the 3-dimensional eddy current distribution and of the associated magnetic fields are brought out.