Investigation of the Electromagnetic and Thermal Performance of an Axially-Slitted Eddy Current Brake

This study aims to develop a new disk structure for eddy current brakes and improve the thermal performance of the conductive disk. In a braking system with a 5A excitation current, 1500 RPM nominal speed, 8 poles, dual-sided, and aluminium disks, the effect of axial slot geometries on braking torque was analysed using the finite element method (FEM). Thermal analyses of the disk structure with the most optimal electromagnetic slot geometry were also conducted. As a result of the analyses, an axial-slotted disk structure, not previously found in the literature, was developed. A temperature difference of approximately 10°C was observed between the one-piece and six-piece axially slotted designs. Although the designed disk has a lower braking torque compared to the original disk, it offers significant thermal advantages.