Magnetic Analysis,  Design and Implementation

Magnetic devices are often used in vibration suppression systems, both active and passive. CSA offers a comprehensive suite of services for designing, prototyping, and testing devices such as magnetic actuators and eddy current dampers. Services include magnetic field analysis, mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and dynamic testing. With a proven track record in the aerospace industry, CSA's engineering team has extensive experience in developing and applying magnetic devices for structural dynamic applications. Whether a project requires a new concept, analysis of an existing design, or a second opinion, CSA offers the necessary expertise.

CSA uses Magneto and Amperes software packages from Integrated Engineering Software, Inc. Both employ boundary element methods to develop and solve integral equation formulations for magnetic fields. Magneto provides analysis of two-dimensional designs or designs involving an axis of rotational symmetry, while Amperes provides analysis of three-dimensional designs.

Using either package, CSA can model linear and non-linear magnetic materials as well as a variety of boundary conditions, such as potentials, derivatives of potentials, and impressed fields. Output includes scalar and vector field distributions, force on current carrying conductors, self and mutual inductance, and stray magnetic fields. Proprietary software and methods are used to develop eddy current dashpot models using the field solver results as input. Custom translators permit further data postprocessing in Matlab.

During early phases of a magnetic analysis project, CSA works closely with the customer, reviewing performance requirements, material selection and specifications, operating environment, and design constraints. CSA can carry the design through CAD drawings, prototype hardware, and functional testing as required.

CSA delivers analysis results to the customer in clear, appealing documentation. Magnetic fields and their components are provided through color contour plots, arrow plots, surface representations, and graphs.

With a history of success in structural dynamics, CSA offers expert capability in defining requirements for magnetic devices and for predicting and measuring the behavior of dynamic systems utilizing such devices. Analyses may include finite element models using NASTRAN and I-DEAS or Matlab models of structures that employ active vibration control. Routinely involved in large, multidisciplinary development projects, CSA can also offer expertise in systems engineering and requirements definition when structural dynamic performance must be balanced against other figures of merit.

CSA's laboratory is fully equipped with state-of-the-art dynamic test equipment, including several multi-channel digital spectrum analyzers, Hall probes, a Gaussmeter, and a magnetometer. Extensive instrumentation for excitation and sensing is available for measuring performance of magnetic devices. Custom fixturing and test rigs are routinely designed, constructed, and used for specialized developments. Dynamic testing capabilities include modal testing, component testing of actuators or dampers, and test verification of vibration isolation systems or components. Much of CSA's test equipment is portable, so that measurements can be made at remote facilities. Further information on CSA's structural dynamic modeling and test capabilities is available upon request.

Magnetorheological (MR) Fluid Device Design and Fabrication

CSA Engineering offers design and development services, and prototype and small quantity fabrication, of magnetorheological (MR) and devices. The unique feature offered by these "smart" fluids is the ability to instantly vary yield stress and effective viscosity by controlling electrical current or voltage. MR fluid devices can be used in active suspension, braking, variable torque transfer, controllable damping and vibration isolation and force feedback systems.

 Some organizations have a familiarity with rheological fluids. Others have experience in device design and development. CSA brings together all the necessary tools to create rheological fluid devices that meet the most demanding requirements including:

• Proven controls algorithms
• Embedded control based on microcontrollers or DSPs
• Device design, fabrication and rapid prototyping
• Magnetic field analysis and design optimization
• Full testing and characterization facilities

Contact Dr. David Kienholz to discuss your magnetic design requirements

M-Strut for Space Shuttle / Magnetic Damper / AS/VIS Actuators / SA Series Actuators