Quasi-Infinite and Zero Stiffness Magnetic Spring for Space Applications

Poster Session
D
Poster Number
09
Project Author(s)
Grace Semerjian
Institution
Portland State University | OSGC Virtual Summer Internship
Project Description

This project looked into developing a quasi-infinite magnetic spring, as well as a constant force/quasi-zero stiffness magnetic spring arrangement. Ideally, when we think of suspension, we don’t want our mass that’s being suspended to be displaced whenever a disturbance occurs. An infinite stiffness spring is part of the solution; it’ll always place the mass back to its original position when it sees a force. A zero stiffness spring is the other part of the solution; it’ll keep a mass at a certain constant force and thus position. Both springs seem like they do the same thing, but that’s not entirely true. The zero stiffness spring helps support the infinite stiffness spring and mass, while the infinite stiffness spring actually repositions the mass back to its original position. This kind of resilient suspension can be applied to many different types of systems, including space applications. Inexpensive vibration isolation is sought after by many and utilizing permanent magnets can help with this. The quasi-infinite stiffness magnetic spring setup was designed with spring equations and later simulated in JMAG, which performs finite element analysis. Both magnetic spring arrangements output the desired force responses. An experimental prototype that uses the two magnetic springs in conjunction is being designed at the moment.