Eddy Current Braking by Dilli Harsha

Eddy current braking|2020
Technical Seminar Report

On
EDDY CURRENT BRAKING
A seminar report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the

award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
By
G.DILLI HARSHA
16KA1A0216
Under the Guidance of

M. V. Kesava Kumar
Assistant Professor
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING
JNTUA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
KALIKIRI – 517234
2019 - 2020
Dept. EEE, JNTUACEK Page 1

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY ANATHAPURAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING KALIKIRI
KALIKIRI - 517234
DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
CERTIFICATE
Certified that this is a bonafide record of the dissertation work entitled, “EDDY
CURRENT BRAKING”, done by G. DILLI HARSHA bearing Admission no.
16KA1A0216 submitted to the faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY from
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Ananthapur College of Engineering,
Kalikiri.
SEMINAR GUIDE HEEED
Mr. M. V. Kesava Kumar Prof. M. VENKATESWARA RAO

INDEX
Contents Page No.
ABSTRACT 1
CHAPTER-1 2
1. 1 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 3
2.1 FARADY’S LAWS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
2. 2 LENZ’S LAW OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
2.3 LORENTZ FORCE EQUATION
CHAPTER 3 5
3.1 HOW THE EDDY CURRENTS ARE PRODUCED
CHAPTER 4 7
4.1 FACTORS EFFECTING EDDY CURRENTS
CHAPTER 5 10
5.1 EDDY CURRENTS IN BRAKING
CHAPTER 6 13
6.1 TYPES OF EDDY CURRENT BRAKING
I. LINEAR BRAKING
II. CIRCULAR BRAKING
CHAPTER 7 17
7.1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
CHAPTER 8 18
8.1 APPLICATIONS
CONCLUSION 19
REFERENCES 20

LIST OF FIGURES
CONTENTS Page no.
2.1 conductor placed in magnetic field 3
2.2 coil placed in magnetic field 3
3.1 Eddy currents induced in a conductive metal plate 5
3.2 Eddy currents opposing the falling of coin shaped magnet 6
5.1(a) rotating disc placed in magnetic field 11
5.1(b) Eddy currents induced in the rotating disc 11
5.2 Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the 12
repulsive forces at South Pole of magnet
5.3 Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the 12
repulsive forces at north Pole of magnet
6.1 The linear eddy-current brakes from a roller coaster 13
6.2 Single Sided permanent magnet type 14
6.3 Double Sided permanent magnet type 14
6.4 Close-up of the circular eddy-current brake 16

ABSTRACT
In modern times the need for travel is growing — and with it, transportation
alternatives that are greener, less noisy and of course faster. This tends in rising technology in
the transportation sector. When speed level of transportation increases besides it is need
improve the braking level of transporting too. The problems faced in conventional
mechanical brakes are fading, overheating due to friction, very short life span etc. this
precedes the motivation for the frictionless braking and the phenomenon behind this brake is
EDDY CURRENTS.
In 1824, the first person to observe eddy currents was Francois Arago (1786–1853),

the 25th Prime Minister of France, who was also a mathematician, physicist and astronomer.
The phenomenon due which eddy currents are produced called as rotatory magnetism.
Eddy currents (also called Foucault's currents) are loops of electrical current induced

within conductors by a changing magnetic field in the conductor according to Faraday's law
of induction. Eddy currents flow in closed loops within conductors, in planes perpendicular to
the magnetic field. This eddy current has wide range of applications in modern era such as
induction furnace to melt the metals, instrumentation, electrical braking systems. This
technical seminar report mainly concentrated over eddy current application in modern
traction braking system.
Eddy current is the swirling current produced in a conductor, which is subjected to a

change in magnetic field. Because of the tendency of eddy currents to oppose, eddy currents
cause energy to be lost. More accurately, eddy currents transform more useful forms of
energy such as kinetic energy into heat, which is much less useful. In many applications, the
loss of useful energy is not particularly desirable. But there are some practical applications.
Such an application is the eddy current brake.

CHAPTER 1
1.1 Introduction
In this modern era metro trains were introduced in metropolitan cities across India.
Metro Rail System has proven to be most efficient in terms of energy consumption, space
occupancy and numbers transported. Another important reason to employ metro trains in
the metro trains in metropolitan cities is to reduce the travelling time. In order to reduce
the travelling time it is necessary to increase the speed of train. As the speed of train
increases it is need to improve the braking system.
In case of many of the ordinary brakes, which are being used present context stop the
vehicle by means of mechanical blocking. This causes skidding and wear- tear of the vehicle.
And if the speed of the vehicle is very high, for the large weight transportation like traction
the brake cannot provide that much high braking force and it will cause more disastrous
situation. These drawbacks of ordinary brakes can be overcome by a simple and effective
mechanism of braking system 'The eddy current brake'. It is an abrasion-free method for
braking of vehicles including trains. It makes use of the opposing tendency of eddy current.
Eddy current brake works according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

According to this law, whenever a conductor cuts magnetic lines of forces, an emf is induced
in the conductor, the magnitude of which is proportional to the strength of magnetic field and
the speed of the conductor. If the conductor is a disc, there will be circulatory currents i.e.
eddy currents in the disc. According to Lenz's law, the direction of the current is in such a
way as to oppose the cause, i.e. movement of the disc. Essentially the eddy current brake
consists of two parts, a stationary magnetic field system and a solid rotating part, which
include a metal disc. During braking, the metal disc is exposed to a magnetic field from an
electromagnet, generating eddy currents in the disc. The magnetic interaction between the
applied field and the eddy currents slow down the rotating disc. Thus the wheels of the
vehicle also slow down since the wheels are directly coupled to the disc of the eddy current
brake, thus producing smooth stopping motion.

CHAPTER 2
2.1 Faraday’s laws of Electromagnetic Induction
In 1831, Michael Faraday formulated two laws on the bases of experiments. These
laws are called as Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction.
2.1.1 Faraday’s first law of electromagnetic induction:
First law of Faraday’s Electromagnetic induction states that whenever a conductor is

placed in a varying magnetic field emf is induced in the conductor. This can also defined as
whenever a conductor is rotated in static magnetic field emf is induced in the conductor.
Fig2.1: conductor placed in magnetic field
Fig2.1 Faraday’s second law of electromagnetic induction:
Second law of Faraday’s Electromagnetic induction states that the induced emf in the
conductor is directly proportional to rate of change of flux linkages associated to it.
Fig2.2: coil placed in magnetic field
Emf induced in conductor is given by equation,

Where Φ is the magnetic flux in wb
N is the number of turns
2.2 Lenz’s Law of Electromagnetic induction:

Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction states that the direction of the current induced in a
conductor by a changing magnetic field (as per Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction)
is such that the magnetic field created by the induced current opposes the initial changing
magnetic field which produced it.
According to Lenz’s law emf equation is given by,
Here negative sign indicates emf induced in conductor is opposite to its cause.
2.3 Lorentz Force Equation
A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field will feel a Lorentz force in a direction

given by Fleming's left hand rule, with a magnitude of:
F=BILsinθ
Where L is the length of the wire in the magnetic field, I is the current flowing through the
wire and θ is the angle between the wire and the magnetic field.

CHAPTER 3
3.1 How the Eddy Currents are produced
Eddy currents (also called Foucault's currents) are loops of electrical current induced
within conductors by a changing magnetic field in the conductor according to Faraday's law
of induction. Eddy currents flow in closed loops within conductors, in planes perpendicular to
the magnetic field. They can be induced within nearby stationary conductors by a time-
varying magnetic field created by an AC electromagnet or transformer, for example, or by
relative motion between a magnet and a nearby conductor. The magnitude of the current in a
given loop is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, the area of the loop, and the
rate of change of flux, and inversely proportional to the resistivity of the material. When
graphed, these circular currents within a piece of metal look vaguely like eddies or whirlpools
in a liquid.
Fig3.1: Eddy currents (I, red) induced in a conductive metal plate (C)
By Lenz's law, an eddy current creates a magnetic field that opposes the change in the
magnetic field that created it, and thus eddy currents react back on the source of the magnetic
field. For example, a nearby conductive surface will exert a drag force on a moving magnet
that opposes its motion, due to eddy currents induced in the surface by the moving magnetic
field. This effect is employed in eddy current brakes which are used to stop rotating power
tools quickly when they are turned off. The current flowing through the resistance of the
conductor also dissipates energy as heat in the material. Thus eddy currents are a cause of
energy loss in alternating currents
(AC) inductors, transformers, electric motors and generators, and other AC

machinery, requiring special construction such as laminated magnetic cores or ferrite cores to
minimize them. Eddy currents are also used to heat objects in induction heating furnaces and

equipment, and to detect cracks and flaws in metal parts using eddy-current

testing instruments.
Production of an eddy currents in conductor placed in magnetic field can be

physically explained by considering a small example. Suppose you drop a coin-shaped
magnet down the inside of a plastic pipe. It might take a half second to get to the bottom.
Now repeat the same experiment with a copper pipe and you'll find your magnet takes much
longer (maybe three or four seconds) to make exactly the same journey.
Fig3.2: Eddy currents opposing the falling of coin shaped magnet
Eddy currents are the reason. When the magnet falls through the pipe, you have a
magnetic field moving through a stationary conductor (which is exactly the same as a
conductor moving through a stationary magnetic field). That creates electric currents in the
conductor—eddy currents, in fact. Now we know from the laws of electromagnetism that
when a current flows in a conductor, it produces a magnetic field. So the eddy currents
generate their own magnetic field. Lenz's law tells us that this magnetic field will try to
oppose its cause, which is the falling magnet. So the eddy currents and the second magnetic
field produce an upward force on the magnet that tries to stop it from falling. That's why it
falls more slowly. In other words, the eddy currents produce a braking effect on the falling
magnet.

It's because eddy currents always oppose whatever causes them that we can use them
as brakes in vehicles, engines, and other machines.
CHAPTER 4
4.1 Factors affecting the eddy current production
Many factors affect the magnitude of eddy current flow in the material under
inspection. Some of these can create problems during the inspection but many can be
exploited to determine specific material characteristics. The most significant factors are
described in the following:
Electrical conductivity: Electrical conductivity is often described as the ease of electron

flow within a material. Conductivity is the inverse of resistivity and the commonly used
symbol is σ. The SI unit for conductivity is Siemens per metre. An earlier, metric unit which
may be encountered is metres per Ω·mm 2 however, the unit most commonly employed by
NDT practitioners is the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS), which compares
the conductivity of the metal as a percentage of the conductivity of pure copper (e.g.
aluminium is about 37% IACS).
Magnetic Permeability: The magnetic permeability of the material under inspection has
a dominant effect on the magnitude of eddy current flow. The 'noise' created by permeability
changes in ferrous materials makes eddy current inspection of carbon steel welds difficult and
the strong signal from the steel supports of cupronickel heat exchanger tubes will mask defect
indications. The effect of permeability can be negated by magnetic saturation, multi-
frequency inspection or differential coil arrangements. The measurement of permeability is
the basis of material sorting bridges.
Frequency: The frequency of the alternating current passing through the eddy current test
coil affects the depth of penetration of the eddy current field in the test material. This is also
known as the skin effect. The intensity of the eddy current flow will decrease exponentially
with increasing depth into the material.

The standard depth of penetration (SDP), δ, is defined as:
1/e x surface intensity of eddy currents
Where e = 2.71828
This gives the depth at which the eddy current intensity has fallen to c. 37% of its surface
intensity.
The SDP can be calculated using the formula:
Where:
δ = SDP (mm)
f = frequency (Hz)
σ = conductivity (m/Ωmm2)
µ = relative permeability
500 = a constant to define the units in use
Edge effect
This refers to the effect that the component's edge or sharp changes in geometry have on the
eddy currents. When inspecting for cracks the edge effect can be negated by placing and
balancing the probe near to the edge and scanning at that distance.
Lift-off/Stand-off distance: The term used for the proximity between the coil and the
test surface. A small amount of lift off will give a pronounced effect on the signal amplitude.
When analysing the eddy current signal using the impedance plane display the lift off signal
will be at a different phase angle from a crack signal or a change in conductivity. The lift-off
effect is used to measure non-conductive coating thickness.

Fill factor: The fill factor is the equivalent to lift-off when using encircling coils. It is used
to determine the correct allowance between the inspection coil and the tubular sample to
ensure freedom of movement during scanning while maintaining the proximity of the coil to
the sample to generate sufficient eddy currents to perform the inspection.
The fill factor (ƞ) is given by:
(Internal coil)
Or
(External coil)
Η must be less than 1.0

η is usually about 0.7
Specimen dimensions: When inspecting plate material, if the plate thickness approaches
the SDP a specific signal will be generated. If this is unexpected this could give rise to a false
defect call. However, the effect can be used to estimate material loss, for example from blind
side corrosion. When scanning a sample with a complex geometry, false signals may be
generated from the geometric changes. This needs to be taken into account when interpreting
the signals.
Flaws: Planar discontinuities (e.g. cracks or lack of weld fusion) which are perpendicular to
the flow of eddy currents will be detected. Planar discontinuities (e.g. laminations) which are
parallel to the flow of eddy currents will not be detected. The depth of a crack cannot be
measured accurately by eddy current testing.

CHAPTER 5
5.1 Eddy currents as Braking
Eddy current is the swirling current produced in a conductor, which is subjected to a
change in magnetic field. Because of the tendency of eddy currents to oppose, eddy currents
cause energy to be lost. More accurately, eddy currents transform more useful forms of
energy such as kinetic energy into heat, which is much less useful. In many applications, the
loss of useful energy is not particularly desirable. But there are some practical applications.
Such an application is the eddy current brake.
1. Eddy current braking in Circular disc:
Essentially an eddy current brake consists of two members, a stationary magnetic

field system and a solid rotary member, generally of mild steel, which is sometimes referred
to as the secondary because the eddy currents are induced in it. Two members are separated
by a short air gap, they're being no contact between the two for the purpose of torque
transmission. Consequently there is no wear as in friction brake. Stator consists of pole core,
pole shoe, and field winding. The field winding is wounded on the pole core. Pole core and
pole shoes are made of east steel laminations and fixed to the state of frames by means of
screw or bolts. Copper and aluminium is used for winding material the arrangement is shown
in fig. 1. This system consists of two parts.
1. Stator
2. Rotor
When the vehicle is moving, the rotor disc of eddy current brake which is coupled to
the wheels of the vehicle rotates, in close proximity to stationary magnetic poles. When we
want to brake the vehicle, a control switch is put on which is placed on the steering column in
a position for easy operation. When the control switch is operated, current flows from a
battery to the field winding, thus energizing the magnet. Then the rotating disc will cut the
magnetic field. When the disc cuts the magnetic field, flux changes occur in the disc which is
proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. The current will flow back to the zero field
areas of the metal plate and thus create a closed current loop like a whirl or eddy. A flow of
current always means there is a magnetic field as well. Due to Lenz's law, the magnetic field

produced by the eddy currents works against the movement direction. Thus instead of
mechanical friction, a magnetic friction is created. In consequence, the disc will experience a
"drag" or the braking effect, and thus the disc stops rotation. The wheels of the vehicle, which
is directly coupled to the disc, also stop rotation. Faster the wheels are spinning, stronger the
effect, meaning that as the vehicle slows, the braking force is reduced producing a smooth
stopping action. The control switch can be set at different positions for controlling the
excitation current to several set values in order to regulate the magnetic flux and
consequently the magnitude of braking force. i.e. if the speed of the vehicle is lpw, a low
braking force is required to stop the vehicle. So the control switch is set at the lowest position
so that a low current will be supplied to the field winding. Then the magnetic field produced
will be of low strength, so that a required low braking force is produced.
Fig5.1 (a): rotating disc placed in magnetic field Fig (b): Eddy currents induced in the
rotating disc
2. Eddy current braking in linear motion:
Suppose we have a railroad train that's actually a huge solid block of copper mounted on
wheels. Let's say it is hurtling along at high speed and we want to stop it. If we put a giant magnet
next to the track so the train had to pass nearby. As the copper approached the magnet, eddy currents
would be generated (or "induced") inside the copper, which would produce their own magnetic field.
Eddy currents in different parts of the copper would try to work in different ways. As the front part of
the train approached the magnet, eddy currents in that bit of the copper would try to generate a
repulsive magnetic field (to slow down the copper's approach to the magnet). As the front part passed
by, slowing down, the currents would start generating an attractive magnetic field that tried to pull the
train back again (again, slowing it down). The copper would heat up as the eddy currents swirled
inside it, gaining the kinetic energy lost by the train as it slowed down. It might sound like a strange

way to stop a train, but it really does work. You'll find the proof of it in many rollercoaster cars,
which use magnetic brakes like this, mounted on the side of the track, to slow them down.
Fig5.2: Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the repulsive forces at South Pole of
magnet
Fig5.3: Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the attractive forces at North Pole of
magnet
Here is our simple copper block train moving from right to left, and I've embedded a
giant bar magnet in the track to stop it. As the train approaches, eddy currents are induced in
the front of it that produce a repulsive magnetic field, which slows the train down. If the train
is moving really fast, this magnet might not stop it completely, so it'll keep moving beyond
the magnet. As it moves past the other end of the magnet, the induced eddy currents will
work to produce an attractive magnetic field that tries to pull the train backward, but still tries
to slow it down. The basic point is simple: the eddy currents are always trying to oppose
whatever causes them. (Note that eddy currents are actually induced through the whole of the
copper block, but I've drawn only a few of them for clarity.)

CHAPTER 6
6.1 Types of Eddy current brakes
Real eddy current brakes are a bit more sophisticated than this, but work in essentially the
same way. They were first proposed in the 19th century by the brilliant French physicist Jean-
Bernard Léon Foucault (also the inventor of the Foucault pendulum and one of the first
people to measure the speed of light accurately on Earth). Eddy current brakes come in two
basic types—linear and circular.
6.1.1 Linear brakes
Linear brakes feature on things like train tracks and rollercoasters, where the track
itself (or something mounted on it) works as part of the brake.
Fig6.1: The linear eddy-current brakes from a roller coaster. (The brakes are the black
things mounted on the side of the track.)
The simplest linear, eddy-current brakes have two components, one of which is stationary
while the other moves past it in a straight line. In a rollercoaster ride, you might have a series
of powerful, permanent magnets permanently mounted at the end of the track, which produce
eddy currents in pieces of metal mounted on the side of the cars as they whistle past. The cars

move freely along the track until they reach the very end of the ride, where the magnets meet
the metal and the brakes kick in.
A. Single Sided
The single sided brake is a lower cost solution but has open exposed permanent magnets.
If the conductive plate is backed with a steel plate to increase the magnetic field in the gap
(which in turn increases the braking) there will be a large magnetic attractive force between
the 2 plates and the magnet assembly.
Fig6.2: Single Sided permanent magnet type

B. Double Sided
The double-sided brake allows for a thin conductive plate or fin to pass thru the “U”
shaped permanent magnet assembly. In this case, there is no magnetic attractive force
between the 2 members. This design offers more flexibility for mounting the brakes and does
not have exposed magnets.

Fig6.3: Double Sided permanent magnet type
This kind of approach is no use for a conventional train, because the brakes might
need to be applied at any point on the track. That means the magnets have to be built into the
structure that carries the train's wheels (known as the bogies) and they have to be the kind of
magnets you can switch on and off (electromagnets, in other words). Typically, the
electromagnets move a little less than 1cm (less than 0.5 in) from the rail and, when
activated, slow the train by creating eddy currents (and generating heat) inside the rail itself.
It's a basic law of electromagnetism that you can only generate a current when you
actually move a conductor through a magnetic field (not when the conductor is stationary); it
follows that you can use an eddy current brake to stop a train, but not to hold it stationary
once it's stopped (on something like an incline). For that reason, vehicles with eddy current
brakes need conventional brakes as well.
The kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted to heat by the eddy current
flowing through the electrical resistance of the rail, which leads to a warming of the rail. An
advantage of the linear brake is that since each section of rail passes only once through the
magnetic field of the brake, in contrast to the disk brake in which each section of the disk
passes repeatedly through the brake, the rail doesn't get as hot as a disk, so the linear brake
can dissipate more energy and have a higher power rating than disk brakes.
The eddy current brake does not have any mechanical contact with the rail, and thus
no wear, and creates no noise or odour. The eddy current brake is unusable at low speeds, but
can be used at high speeds both for emergency braking and for regular braking.
Linear eddy current brakes are used on some vehicles that ride on rails, such as trains.
They are used on roller coasters, to stop the cars smoothly at the end of the ride.
6.1.2 Circular brakes
Circular electromagnetic brakes are used on vehicles such as trains, and power tools such
as circular saws, to stop the blade quickly when the power is turned off. A disk eddy current
brake consists of a conductive non-ferromagnetic metal disc (rotor) attached to the axle of the

vehicle's wheel, with an electromagnet located with its poles on each side of the disk, so the
magnetic field passes through the disk. The electromagnet allows the braking force to be
varied. When no current is passed through the electromagnet's winding, there is no braking
force. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, current is passed through the electromagnet
windings, creating a magnetic field, The larger the current in the winding, the larger the eddy
currents and the stronger the braking force. Power tool brakes use permanent magnets, which
are moved adjacent to the disk by a linkage when the power is turned off. The kinetic energy
of the vehicle's motion is dissipated in Joule heating by the eddy currents passing through the
disk's resistance, so like conventional friction disk brakes, the disk becomes hot. Unlike in the
linear brake below, the metal of the disk passes repeatedly through the magnetic field, so disk
eddy current brakes get hotter than linear eddy current brakes.
Fig 6.4: Close-up of the circular eddy-current brake

CHAPTER 7
7.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of eddy current brakes
a) Advantages
i) It uses electromagnetic force not the frictional force.
ii) Fully resettable
iii) Short braking distance
iv) Can be activated via electrical signal
v) Low maintenance
vi) Operates at any rotational speeds
vii) Light weight
viii) Eddy current brakes are quiet, friction less and wear-tear free
All this makes them much more attractive than noisy friction brakes that need regular
inspection and routinely out. It’s being estimated that switching an electric train from
friction brakes to eddy current brakes could have the cost of brake and maintenance
over its life time.
b) Disadvantages
i) Braking force diminishes the as speed but no ability to hold the load in position at
standstill.
ii) This could be the safety issue, friction braking may need to use as well as.
iii) It is not economical to use at low speed vehicles or traction.
iv) The induction of electromagnetic fields may cause the radio interference with the
communication system.

CHAPTER 8
8.1 Applications
1. For additional safety on long decants in mountain area

2. For high speed passenger and goods vehicle.
3. Eddy current brakes are best substitutes for ordinary brakes, which are being
used nowadays in road vehicles even in trains, because of their jerk-free
operation.
4. In mountain areas where continuous braking force is needed, for a long time,
the eddy current braking is very much useful for working without overheating.
5. Eddy current brakes are very much useful for high-speed passengers and good
vehicles.
6. It can also be used to slow down the trolleys of faster roller coasters.
7. There are a number of major commercial applications of eddy current brake
technology in the mining, railroad, and elevator industries.
8. We'll also find eddy current brakes in all kinds of machines, such as circular
saws and other power equipment. And they're used in things like rowing
machines and gym machines to apply extra resistance to the moving parts so
your muscles have to work harder.
9. As the production heat in the case of disc braking is greater than the linear
braking, linear braking is preferred for the higher speeds as well as higher
loads.

CONCLUSION
Eddy current braking produce effective braking with low wear and tear. The
maintenance cost of this braking system is very low. Eddy current braking is a non-contact
breaking system and hence there is no friction and low wear and tear. Thus debris produced
in braking is very low and hence is eco-friendly.
Eddy current braking is a cleaner way of braking. Wheel skidding is avoided as the
wheel does not get locked. It is highly suitable at high speed. It works on electricity and
consumes very small amount of power for a tiny time period. It only Consumes small space
therefore installation is easy. It is better to install this type of braking for the traction for the
trains having higher speed as well as high loads. It is not safe to depend on only
Eddy current braking but it necessary to employ mechanical braking besides since
eddy current does not provide enough braking torque to stop the train at exact position.
Employing the eddy current brakes it shares the braking torque with mechanical brakes which
increase lifetime, reduces wear-tear, heat dissipation and maintenance cost.

REFERENCES
1.Eddy Currents Electromagnetic Brake Device, IEE publisher,M.A.Q. Cunha ; A.H.
Pereira ; C.R. Schmidlin Júnior ; P.P. Rebouças Filho
2.An eddy current braking system,Publisher: IEEE,L. Barnes ; J. Hardin ; C.A. Gross ; D.

Wasson
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_current
4. A journal ‘How the eddy current braking technology is freeing us from friction’ by
Thomas Ferrister published on March 6,2019
5.A Journal ‘Eddy current braking’ by Chris Woodford on November 23,2018

Eddy Current Braking by Dilli Harsha

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Eddy current braking|2020

Technical Seminar Report

EDDY CURRENT BRAKING

A seminar report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the

Under the Guidance of

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

Dept. EEE, JNTUACEK Page 1

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY ANATHAPURAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING KALIKIRI

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SEMINAR GUIDE HEEED

Mr. M. V. Kesava Kumar Prof. M. VENKATESWARA RAO

Dept. EEE, JNTUACEK Page 2

Dept. EEE, JNTUACEK Page 3

CONTENTS Page no.

2.1 conductor placed in magnetic field 3

2.2 coil placed in magnetic field 3

3.1 Eddy currents induced in a conductive metal plate 5

3.2 Eddy currents opposing the falling of coin shaped magnet 6

5.1(a) rotating disc placed in magnetic field 11

5.1(b) Eddy currents induced in the rotating disc 11

5.2 Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the 12

repulsive forces at South Pole of magnet

5.3 Solid block copper mounted on wheels experiences the 12

repulsive forces at north Pole of magnet

6.1 The linear eddy-current brakes from a roller coaster 13

6.2 Single Sided permanent magnet type 14

6.3 Double Sided permanent magnet type 14

6.4 Close-up of the circular eddy-current brake 16

Dept. EEE, JNTUACEK Page 4

In 1824, the first person to observe eddy currents was Francois Arago (1786–1853),

Eddy currents (also called Foucault's currents) are loops of electrical current induced

Eddy current is the swirling current produced in a conductor, which is subjected to a

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Eddy current brake works according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

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2.1.1 Faraday’s first law of electromagnetic induction:

First law of Faraday’s Electromagnetic induction states that whenever a conductor is

Fig2.1: conductor placed in magnetic field

Fig2.1 Faraday’s second law of electromagnetic induction:

Fig2.2: coil placed in magnetic field

Emf induced in conductor is given by equation,

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Where Φ is the magnetic flux in wb

N is the number of turns

2.2 Lenz’s Law of Electromagnetic induction:

According to Lenz’s law emf equation is given by,

2.3 Lorentz Force Equation

A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field will feel a Lorentz force in a direction

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Fig3.1: Eddy currents (I, red) induced in a conductive metal plate (C)

(AC) inductors, transformers, electric motors and generators, and other AC

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equipment, and to detect cracks and flaws in metal parts using eddy-current

Production of an eddy currents in conductor placed in magnetic field can be

Fig3.2: Eddy currents opposing the falling of coin shaped magnet

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Electrical conductivity: Electrical conductivity is often described as the ease of electron

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The standard depth of penetration (SDP), δ, is defined as:

1/e x surface intensity of eddy currents

The SDP can be calculated using the formula:

500 = a constant to define the units in use