Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Henrikson, C. H..
Rotating ring stores momentum in mechanical system. Drag is reduced by suspending rotating part in magnetic field. Combination of composites and forroceramic materials are used, providing a strong stiff device, which is better damped than metals.
Magnetic bearings for spacecraft momentum wheels offer the promise of low friction and unlimited life. This paper describes how magnetic bearings work and their advantages and disadvantages. The present status of magnetic bearings is described and examples are shown of the various and widely-different magnetically suspended momentum wheels that have been built to date. These include wheels whose bearings exhibit high stiffness and wheels with zero-power suspensions. The future of magnetically suspended momentum wheels is discussed including the possibility of wheels with neither spokes nor shaft.