A comprehensive approach to determining the speed/torque relationships of eddy current brakes

Although the operating principles of eddy current brakes are well known, no generalised torque/speed equation that covers the entire speed range in terms of the various machine parameters has yet been produced. This limitation is overcome in the present paper that develops a torque/speed equation valid throughout the complete speed range. The approach is based on the development of comprehensive relationships obtained using curve fitting techniques, with the subsequent use of finite element considerations enabling the impact of the different design parameters on the characteristics of a low power, axial-flux double-sided brake to be investigated.