CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The creation of magnetic forces is the basis of all magnetic levitation. The
creation of a magnetic field can be caused by a number of things. The first thing that
it can be caused by is a permanent magnet. These magnets are a solid material in
which there is an induced North and South pole. These will be described further a
little later. The second way that a magnetic field can be created is through an electric
field changing linearly with time. The third and final way to create a magnetic field is
through the use of direct current.
The use of magnetic fields as a method of actuation has been considered for
over five decades. The initial applications of magnetic actuation were in solenoid
actuators, magnetic cranes and electrical switches. Approximately three decades ago,
the first magnetic levitation train was proposed and initialized as a high speed mass
transportation vehicle. Various experimental and a large number of theoretical studies
have been done in Japan, Germany and the United States and have resulted in
interesting outcomes. After several years, changing market requirements have forced
manufacturers to develop new technologies of actuation. In the high-tech industry,
which increasingly relies on micro assembly, product requirements drive
manufacturers to change their production strategies. Many of these products need to
be fabricated under highly controlled environments. Recently, magnetic actuation has
been shown to be a feasible solution for high performance actuators delivering ultra-
fine positional control.

1.1. Introduction to Magnetic Levitation

Magnetic levitation is the process of levitating an object by exploiting
magnetic fields. In other words, it is overcoming the gravitational force on an object
by applying a counteracting magnetic field. Either the magnetic force of repulsion or
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attraction can be used. In the case of magnetic attraction, the experiment is known as
magnetic suspension. Using magnetic repulsion, it becomes magnetic levitation.
In the past, magnetic levitation was attempted by using permanent magnets.
Attempts were made to find the correct arrangement of permanent magnets to levitate
another smaller magnet, or to suspend a magnet or some other object made of a
ferrous material. It was however, mathematically proven by Earnshaw that a static
arrangement of permanent magnets or charges could not stably magnetically levitate
an object.
Apart from permanent magnets, other ways to produce magnetic fields can
also be used to perform levitation. One of these is an electrodynamic system, which
exploits Lenz’s law. When a magnet is moving relative to a conductor in close
proximity, a current is induced within the conductor. This induced current will cause
an opposing magnetic field. This opposing magnetic field can be used to levitate a
magnet. This means of overcoming the restrictions identified by Earnshaw is referred
to as oscillation.
Electrodynamic magnetic levitation also results from an effect observed in
superconductors. This effect was observed by Meissner and is known as the Meissner
effect. This is a special case of diamagnetism.

1.2. Aim and Objectives

The main objectives of this thesis can be divided into three goals;
 To studies the control system of magnetic levitation system
 To investigate the suitable control system for magnetic levitation system
 To make a levitating display without touching it or any physical support

1.3. Outlines of Thesis

The thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is Introduction, which
provides information regarding the project background, objectives, and the outlines of
the thesis.
The second chapter is Literature Review. In this chapter, the concept of
magnetic levitation system related previous works are thoroughly explained and about
of components use in this thesis.
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The third chapter is Design and Construction, in which the methods employed
in this thesis will be explained and how the circuit work.
In chapter 4, the results for this project will be presented in detail and will
discuss this project.
The last chapter, chapter 5 is Conclusion and Future Work.