1. Electromagnetic Levitator

2. Outline  Background  Motivations  Deliverables  System Block Diagram  Partial Circuit Schematic  Alternatives  MDR Specifications

3. Background What is the problem? Many problems in material research measurements. Non-contact methods provide advantages. What is it used for? It is used to do tests related to surface tension, viscosity, density, specific heat & enthalpies of transformation. Where is it used? It is used in laboratories for the material research field. Examples: Space shuttle, parabolic flights

4. Motivations Why? Non-contacts material testing. Designing this project will help our customer, Professor Hyers, for materials research. This levitator will be used by undergraduate and graduate students in engineering here at UMass. Developing this project will allow us to have real-life experience.

5. Deliverables A functioning prototype: costs total within the provided budget User’s Manual  Documentation: wiring diagram, parts list, assembly drawings, instructions, materials  System Specifications: problem statement, block diagram, block descriptions  Schematic Diagrams  Circuit Descriptions

6. System Block Diagram

7. Partial Circuit Schematic

8. Design Alternative The transformer-coupled approach consists of a transformer and a switching system inverter of four switches.

9. Design Alternative Benefits: can support high voltages will create a more pure/true waveform Negatives: harder to build more expensive

10. MDR Specifications Constant frequency: a few hundred kHz Simulation at full current: 10 A (initial testing value) 1000 A (goal) Inductor-Capacitor ratio: LC = 3.35*10 -13 Farad-Henries f=1/{2π( LC) 1/2 } Prototype:fully operational levitator