Optimal array design of the permanent magnet in an eddy current brake

Eddy current is usually generated in the material with high conductivity by time-varying source such as AC current and also is induced by the moving source with relative velocity. The contactless magnetic brake makes use of the braking force from the eddy current generated by the moving source and currently used for the secondary brakes of heavy trucks, buses and rail vehicles. This study aims to design the magnetization pattern of the eddy current brake system of a permanent magnet type where the design aim is to maximize the braking force. The analysis of brake systems is based on the two-dimensional finite element analysis. We use the sequential linear programming as the optimizer and the adjoint variable method is applied for the sensitivity analysis.