Topology Optimization of an Alternate Permanent Magnet Electrodynamic Suspension Using a 3-D Hybrid Analytical Model

This paper presents a novel gradient-based topology optimization method for the design of permanent magnet electrodynamic suspensions, using a 3-D hybrid analytical model. It enables the exploration of new magnet configurations, with the aim of improving both the lift-to-weight and lift-to-drag ratio. It reveals that a configuration with alternating poles in both the longitudinal and the transverse directions offers significantly better performance than the classical single-direction arrangement.