Controller design for a magnetically levtitated spindle system

In this thesis, a complete design strategy is presented for the control of a magnetically levitated spindle. The spindle is levitated by electromagnets located at the spindle ends. Two approaches are used in obtaining a stabilizing control system for this naturally unstable plant. The first approach is to model the spindle as two independently...

Evaluation of Landing Characteristics Achieved by Simulations and Flight Tests on a Small-scaled Model Related to Magnetically Levitated Advanced Take-off and Landing Operations

The goal of this paper is to simulate and measure on a small-scaled model the landing characteristics related to take-off and landing (TOL) operations supported by a magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) system as ground-based power supply. The technical feasibility and the potential benefits of using ground-based power to assist TOLs is also presented,...

Mechatronic Design of an Electromagnetically Levitated Linear Positioning System using Novel Multi-DoF Actuators

The development of contactless electromagnetically levitated positioning systems is stimulated by the demand for vacuum compatible production machines. These vacuum compatible machines are used e.g. in the development of faster semiconductor chips and optical discs with larger data capacity. A novel vacuum compatible actuator is the IU-module....

Slave-side devices for micromanipulation in a haptic teleoperation scenario

Haptic teleoperation is a promising approach for dealing with the manipulation of micro-objects, fabricated in small series or as prototypes, and in processes which are novel or uncertain. Human operators provide their ability to plan, understand and react when faced with unexpected situations during the manipulation process, while robotic...

Condition monitoring of urban rail transit by local energy harvesting

The goal of this study is to develop a vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvesting prototype that provides power to rail-side monitoring equipment and sensors by collecting wheel-rail vibration energy when the train travels. This technology helps power rail–side equipment in off-grid and remote areas. This article introduces the...

Analytical Field and Torque Analysis of a Reaction Sphere

In recent years, the increasing need in small satellite solutions triggers the miniaturization of attitude control systems. Reaction spheres were proposed as promising replacements of conventional reaction wheels for their 4π rotations. Since the generated control torques could be about any desired axes, a single reaction sphere is sufficient...

Design of a Nonlinear Stiffness Unit Cell Aided Magnetic Gravity Compensator

A novel nonlinear stiffness unit cell aided magnetic gravity compensator is proposed for the purpose of isolating low-frequency vibrations. A negative stiffness magnet setup is combined with a compliant unit cell with tailored nonlinear force-displacement characteristics. This combination offers a large range of motion featuring low stiffness, a...

Localization and Control of a Magnetic Levitation Positioning System

Magnetic levitation is a recent technology which nowadays is used in high-tech systems. It is developed due to the inherent benefits of these type of setups such as lack of wear, friction and problems due to mechanical phenomenon as play and backlash. Achieving higher accelerations and ultra-precise position control while reducing maintenance. ...

Localization, Modeling and Control of a 6-DOF magnetic levitation device

Magnetic levitation actuation has proven to be a viable solution in many applications where high performance actuators are needed that can achieve fine manipulation and position control. Advantages of magnetic levitation include elimination of friction, backlash, vibrations and wear of components due to contact. Many such systems have been...

The Golden Rush

The project is located on the border between Mexico and US and it addresses multiple scales, from the plan for an high speed Train line on the border, to the design of a shared train station between the cities of El paso and Juarez.