Study of the influence of soft ferromagnet location and dimensions on the levitation performance for maglev systems

Soft ferromagnets are usually used as flux-concentration materials placed between or next to the PMs in the guideways for most maglev systems. In terms of the functional minimization method and the Bean’s critical state model, this paper presents an analysis of the influence of soft ferromagnet on the levitation performance for two typical maglev systems. The levitation force and magnetic stiffness are calculated by changing the location, thickness and width of the FM in the guideways. The results show that by placing the soft ferromagnet with an optimized location and dimensions in the maglev systems, the levitation force and stability are enhanced.