Analysis of eddy current field for new type of thrust bearings based on single-objective genetic algorithm

Based on the working condition of the magnetic thrust bearing (MTB), the single-objective optimization model (SOOM) is built. The optimum design of structure parameters for two types of magnetic bearings including traditional carbon bearing and soft magnetic composite (SMCs) bearing has been carried out using genetic algorithm. The analysis of eddy current field for two types of bearings are obtained by FEM. It is found that the maximum eddy current field of SMCs bearing is less than that of carbon steel one, and the air gap magnetic density is larger than that of carbon steel bearing at the same frequency. SMCs obtained by the compression of insulated soft magnetic powders have low eddy current. Thus, under the same magnetic force conditions, the input current of SMCs bearings is lower than that of carbon steel ones. The analysis shows that SMCs can replace carbon steel and has superiority in bearing application.