IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol.

3, Issue 06, 2015 | ISSN (online): 2321-0613

Current trends in Electro-magnetic Braking System: A review paper of

the current scenario of the magnetic braking system
Umang S. Modi1 Swapnil C. Bhavsar2
1,2,3
Department of Mechanical Engineering
1,2
Sal Institute of Technology & Engineering Research, Ahmedabad, India
Abstract— Current paper contains three reviewed research system for regular friction brakes. This system provides
papers on the electro-magnetic braking. Electro-magnetic better response time for emergency situations, and in general
braking is now taking a good pace in the applications on the keeps the friction brake working longer and safer.
day to day stuffs like cars, machine stopper and as motion To control the brakes, a robust sliding mode
retarder as well. Rather than a conventional contact friction controller is designed to maintain the wheel slip at a given
braking, this system are more efficient, quick in the response value. Simulations show that the controller designed is
and has no wear so it has good durability. So three different capable of controlling the vehicle with parameter deviations
papers are reviewed and summarized here to know the and disturbances.
principles, applicability and future scope of electro-magnetic There are three models proposed in the literature on
braking system. eddy current brakes.
Key words: electro-magnetic braking, Permanent magnet;
A. Smythe's approach
Magnetic braking, FEM of electromagnetic braking,
mathematical modeling of electromagnetic braking Smythe's approach [2] is to treat the rotating part as a disc of
finite radius and obtain a closed-form solution by means of a
I. INTRODUCTION reflection procedure specifically suited to the geometry of
the problem. The first step is to calculate the magnetic
The present paper is a review paper of the ‘magnetic induction, B, produced by the eddy currents induced in a
braking’ system. The first attempt of making a braking rotating disk by a long right circular cylinder. After deriving
system using electro magnets was done by Thomas A. the stream function, which is the current flowing through
Edison and he got the patent for that back in October, 1881. any cross section of the rotating disk from a point to its
It was just a proposed theoretical model only, he did not edge, the torque can be calculated by integrating the product
make any actual system having electromagnets but he of the radial component of the current by the magnetic
received the patent for the basic principle that is used to induction and by the lever arm and integrating over the area
create electromagnetic brakes. The topic of magnetic of the pole piece. Since there is a demagnetizing effect such
braking has dramatically increased in popularity in recent that permeable pole pieces of an electromagnet short-circuit
years. Since1987, numerous articles about magnetic braking the flux of the eddy current, the total flux in motion would
were published. These articles describe both experiments be
dealing with magnetic braking, as well as the theory behind
the phenomenon. Magnetic braking works because of
induced currents and Lenz’s law. If you attach a metal plate
to the end of a pendulum and let it swing, its speed will where ϕ0 is the flux penetrating the rotating disk at
greatly decrease when it passes between the poles of a rest, and β2γ2ω2ϕ/R represents the demagnetizing flux
magnet. When the plate enters the magnetic field, an electric attained through dividing the demagnetizing magnetomotive
field is induced in metal and circulating eddy currents are force by the reluctance of the electromagnet. The final
generated. These currents act to oppose the change in flux integration result of the brake torque is:
through the plate, in accordance with Lenz’s Law. The
currents in turn heat the plate, thereby reducing its kinetic T = ωγϕ2 D =
energy. The practical uses for magnetic braking are
T = brake torque
numerous and commonly found in industry today. This
ω = angular velocity
phenomenon can be used to damp unwanted notations in
ϕ0 = flux penetrating the rotating disk at rest
satellites, to eliminate vibration in space crafts, and to
D = constant coefficient, depending on pole arrangement
separate nonmagnetic metals from solid waste.
R = reluctance of the electromagnet
β = constant coefficient
II. REVIEWED PAPERS γ = 10-9 /ρ, where ρ is the volume resistivity of the disk
[1]
The first paper we have reviewed is ‘Modeling and This model is good at low speed but decreases too
control of electromagnetic brakes for enhanced braking fast in high speed compared with the experimental curve.
capabilities or automated highway systems’ by M. Qian, and The asymptotic behavior shows a fall-off of the torque more
P. Kachroo, University of Nevada, LasVegas, IEEE rapid than ω-1 the high speed region, which is in
Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, pp. 391- contradiction with experimental results. Smythe pointed out
396, January, 1997. that this behavior could be due to other conditions, such as
A modified mathematical model is developed for the degree of saturation of the iron in the magnet which will
electromagnetic brakes, is proposed to describe their static upset the assumed relations between magnetomotive force
characteristics i.e. angular speed versus brake torque. This and flux.
paper describes electromagnetic brakes as a supplementary

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 Current trends in Electro-magnetic Braking System: A review paper of the current scenario of the magnetic braking system
(IJSRD/Vol. 3/Issue 06/2015/015)

B. Schieber’ approach B0 = air gap induction at zero speed

Schieber adapted a general method of solution to a rotating x = air gap between pole faces including disc thickness or
system which is different from coordinate perpendicular to air gap
Smythe's approach. The result is for low- R = distance from center of disc to center of pole
[2]
The second paper we have reviewed is ‘Innovative Electro
Magnetic Braking System’ by Sevvel P, Nirmal Kannan V,
σ = electrical conductivity Mars Mukesh S published in International Journal of
δ = sheet thickness Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and
ω = angular velocity Technology, Volume 3, Special Issue 2, April 2014.
π = coefficient In this paper, the conventional braking systems
R = radius of electromagnet have been analyzed i.e. different friction brakes, hydraulic
m = distance of disc axis from pole-face centre brakes along with their effects and difficulties which include
a = disk radius Brake fading effect, Brake fluid leakage, brake fluid
Bz = z component of magnetic flux density vaporization and brake fluid freezing. Next is the description
C. Wouterse approach of the working principle of electromagnetism using the
Based on the works of Schieber and Smythe, Wouterse tried known Oersted experiment, magnetic effect of the flow of
to find the global solution for the high-speed region as well current in a conductor and the factors affecting the strength
as the low-speed region. Wouterse proposed the following of electromagnet are discussed.
expression for low speed: A. Electromagnetic brakes
Electromagnetic brakes operate electrically, but transmit
torque mechanically. This is why they used to be referred to
as electro-mechanical brakes. Over the years, EM brakes
became known as electromagnetic, referring to their
where, actuation method. The variety of applications and brake
Fe is the braking force and ν is the speed. designs has increased dramatically, but the basic operation
The other variables are parameters that can be remains the same. Single face electromagnetic brakes make
evaluated based on different types of eddy current brakes. up approximately 80% of all of the power applied brake
The formula completely agrees with Smythe’s result in the applications.
low-speed region.
Wouterse’s study on the air gap magnetic field at
different speeds produced three remarkable phenomena:
 At very low speeds, the field differs only slightly from
the field at zero speed.
 At the speed at which the maximum dragging force is
exerted, the mean induction under the pole is already
significantly less than B
 At higher speeds, the magnetic induction tends to
further decrease.
Based on this observation, Wouterse proposed the
following solution at the high speed region:

Fig. 1: Working of Electro Magnetic Disc Brake, Courtesy:

Innovative Electro Magnetic Braking System’International
Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and
Technology, Volume 3, Special Issue 2, April 2014
B. Thermal Dynamics
Thermal stability of the electromagnetic brakes is achieved
where by means of the convection and radiation of the heat energy
ρ = specific resistance of disc material at high temperature. The value of the energy dissipated by
d = disc thickness the fan can be calculated by the following expression:
D = diameter of soft iron pole, for noncircular pole shape D QMCp = Dq
denotes the diameter of the circle with the same area as pole where M = Mass of air circulated;
face Cp = Calorific value of air;
ξ = ratio of zone width, in asymptotic current distribution Dq = Difference in temperature between the air entering and
around poles, to air gap the air leaving the fan;
c = ratio of total contour resistance to resistance of contour C. Working Of Electromagnetic Disc Brake:
part under pole The electromagnet is energized by the AC supply where the
v = tangential speed, measured at center of pole magnetic field produced is used to provide the braking
vK = critical speed

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 Current trends in Electro-magnetic Braking System: A review paper of the current scenario of the magnetic braking system
(IJSRD/Vol. 3/Issue 06/2015/015)

mechanism. When the electromagnet is not energized, the Fig. 2: Structure of magnetic braking system, Courtesy: M.
rotation of the disc is free and accelerates uniformly under Jou et al. / Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
the action of weight to which the shaft is connected. When 304 (2006) e234–e236
the electromagnet is energized, magnetic field is produced
thereby applying brake by retarding the rotation of the disc
and the energy absorbed is appeared as heating of the disc.
So when the armature is attracted to the field the stopping
torque is transferred into the field housing and into the
machine frame decelerating the load. The AC motor makes
the disc to rotate through the shaft by means of pulleys
connected to the shaft.
One can conclude this paper as follows:
 With all the advantages of electromagnetic brakes
over friction brakes, they have been widely used on
heavy vehicles where the ‘brake fading’ problem
exists. The same concept is being developed for
application on lighter vehicles. The concept Fig. 3: Magnetic flux density for 1mm air gap. Courtesy: M.
designed by them is just a prototype and needs to Jou et al. / Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
be developed more because of the above mentioned 304 (2006) e234–e236
disadvantages. These electromagnetic brakes can The approaches to design the magnetic braking
be used as an auxiliary braking system along with system are based on the principle of design for
the friction braking system to avoid overheating manufacturing and design for assemble.
and brake failure. ABS usage can be neglected by Therefore the considerations and their
simply using a micro controlled electromagnetic corresponding assumptions are as followings:
disk brake system .These find vast applications in (1) Rectangular magnets are used in this study. This
heavy vehicles where high heat dissipation is will reduce the model from 3D to 2D.
required. (2) The magnets are mounted in symmetry in order to
[3]
reduce the vibrations due to unbalance of forces.
Third reviewed paper is ‘Design of a magnetic braking Thus, the analysis can be treated as 2D and
system’, by Min Joua,Jaw-Kuen Shiaub, Chi-Chian Suna, symmetric problem.
Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 304 (2006) The distance between front magnet and rear magnet
e234–e236 is equal to two times of the air gap plus the thickness of
A model has been developed to demonstrate the track.
working principles of the magnetism. The simulation of magnetic flux density is shown
In current experiment, an upright magnetic braking in Fig. 3.
system was designed (Fig. 2) using permanent magnet In this study, the magnetic flux for nine different
which can be used in elevators as one of the safety features, air-gaps is analyzed and its average value is listed.
particularly, for skyscrapers. The guiding track is designed The results indicate that increasing air gap will
as the conducting plate which is easy to construct with decrease the average value of magnetic flux density. The
building or join with existed elevators. Two pairs of verification shows the predicted magnetic flux is within 5%
permanent magnets (NdFeB-35) are mounted with the difference with the measured value. Therefore, the magnetic
loading table in both front and rear side. flux density computed by the developed FEM model can be
Their objectives of this study were: applied during the design stage of magnetic braking
(1) To develop a FEM to analyze the magnetic field for systems.
calculation of the braking force; and
(2) To obtain the effect of track materials and air gap on the
magnetic flux density.

III. CONCLUSION
The first reviewed paper summarizes that the capability of
the braking system can be increased using electromagnetic
brakes, and sliding mode controller can be used for
satisfactory results for electromagnetic brake control.
In second reviewed paper the authors have
attempted to make practical electro-magnetic brakes and it is
proposed to use the electro-magnetic braking system along
with the conventional braking to avoid overheating and
brake failure. These electromagnetic brakes can be used in

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 Current trends in Electro-magnetic Braking System: A review paper of the current scenario of the magnetic braking system
(IJSRD/Vol. 3/Issue 06/2015/015)

wet conditions which eliminate the anti-skidding equipment,

and cost of these brake are cheaper than the other types.
Third paper represents a FEM model of magnetic
braking. The model analyzes and computes the magnetic
flux density at an early level of braking system design. This
project demonstrated that the air gap has a significant effect
on the magnetic flux density from FEM model.

REFERENCES
[1] Modeling and control of electromagnetic brakes for
enhanced braking capabilities for
automatedhighway systems, M. Qian, and P.
Kachroo, IEEE Conference on Intelligent
Transportation Systems, , pp. 391-396, January,
1997
[2] ‘Innovative Electro Magnetic Braking System’ -
Sevvel P, Nirmal Kannan V, Mars Mukesh S,
International Journal of Innovative Research in
Science, Engineering and Technology, Volume 3,
Special Issue 2, April 2014
[3] Design of a magnetic braking system, Min
Joua,Jaw-Kuen Shiaub, Chi-Chian Suna, Journal of
Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 304 (2006)
e234–e236

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