Project 11566: ITT Magnetic Damper Tom Sciotto (IE), Project Leader Jacob Norris (ME) Tiffany Heyd (ME) Ben Hensel (ME)
Dampening satellite vibrations Imagine a satellite in orbit Rapid, jerky, but small motions (moving camera parts) on satellite induce vibrations But satellite is physically isolated; vibrations can’t dissipate So: need a dampener!
Satellite Design
Space Environment Wide temperature range – -40°C to 80°C – Too wide for hydraulic dampener Vacuum and radiation – Rubber or solid-state dampener would harden ITT decided: Electromagnetic dampening
Eddy Current Dampening Used an induced emf to resist a magnet Train brakes:
Lenz’s Law “An induced current is always in such a direction as to oppose the motion or change causing it” Electromagnetic interpretation or result of Newton’s Third Law
How Eddy Currents Work Conductor-Magnet relative motion induces current in conductor Current creates magnetic field Induced magnetic field opposes magnet; strength proportional to flux, or relative speed Dampening constant, c!
Eddy Currents in Action Wheel (rotates) Conductive Plate Magnet (but our application is linear not angular)
Mathematical Model