Diamagnetic Levitation Track
For ME205 Advanced Mechanical Design, our team of four students was assigned to work with the Laboratory of Laser Energetics (LLE) to create a levitation track prototype. The track ought to be used in Inertial Nuclear fusion testing to remove the shroud that covers the Hydrogen pellet target. The magnetic track system was the focus of the project which would allow for stable levitation at room temperature, meaning that we could not use superconductors as done in maglev trains.
This design was particularly challenging for the team since it required a high level of expertise and knowledge in magnetic fields. It took plenty of hours of studying, researching publications, and running simulations to produce a working prototype. As you can see in the pictures, after running multiple simulations in the Finite Element Model Magnetic (FEMM) software, we settled on a concentric circles design.
Analysis ​
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The CAD model was done in Siemens NX, where I modeled multiple concepts and finalize the prototype rail system. I also worked on the assembly and was in charge of the FEMM simulation and analysis.
Prototype​
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The prototype was built to show proof of concept and to produce a device where an actuation mechanism could be attached for future testing. Metal machining techniques and 3D printed plastics were used to build the workable prototype. Our team proudly presented the device for design day at the University of Rochester, our sponsor was happy with the result.
