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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

PM4Stell: A prototype permanent magnet stellarator structure

Permanent magnets provide a possible solution to simplify complicated stellarator coils. Here, a prototype permanent magnet stellarator structure, PM4Stell, has been funded to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using permanent magnets to create the shaping field of a stellarator. Permanent magnets in uniform cubes with three polarization directions will be carefully placed to generate the required magnetic field for a National Compact Stellarator eXperiment-like equilibrium together with planar toroidal field coils. Discrete magnets will be glued together and inserted into a “post-office-box-like” supporting structure. Electromagnetic and structural analyses have been done to validate the design. Error field correction magnets will be used to shim possible error fields. The design efforts of the prototype permanent magnet stellarator structure are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

An Integrated Traction Drive with a High Speed Surface Permanent Magnet External Rotor Motor for Electric Vehicles

This work presents the detailed design of an outer rotor motor and integrated drive for passenger electric vehicles. The motor uses non-heavy rare earth permanent magnets and operates at a top speed of 20,000rpm. In-slot ceramic heat exchangers are utilized for the cooling of the windings. The external rotor configuration of the motor leaves a significant amount of space in the stator bore, which is leveraged for the integration of the power electronics. A high speed external rotor motor creates a number of mechanical, thermal and assembly challenges and this work presents detailed thermal, mechanical and rotordynamics analysis.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A solid-state extrusion pathway extensible to upcycling aluminum scrap and end-of-life permanent magnets into ductile Al-6061/SmCo 5 structural magnetic composites

Permanent magnets offer strong potential for multifunctional structural components, but their inherent brittleness limits direct integration. Here, SolidStir® Extrusion (SSE) is used to embed SmCo5 powder into AA6061 in the solid state, and the resulting microstructure, interfacial chemistry, mechanical properties, and magnetic response are systematically characterized. SSE fragments the initial SmCo 5 powder into predominantly fine particles dispersed within an ultrafine Al matrix, with a volume fraction of ∼ 4–6 % in this proof-of-concept study. Interfacial reactions form a continuous Al–Co reaction layer, with local atomic-resolution indexing consistent with Al 13 Co 4 , together with Sm–Si-rich reaction products, while the matrix contains Sm–Co–Si-rich precipitates and Mg 2 Si, producing features from nanometers to micrometers. Compared with an Al extrudate, this architecture increases yield strength by ∼ 42 % and tensile strength by ∼ 31 %, while preserving uniform elongation, and it sustains work hardening in compression from 150 to 400 °C. The composite retained hard-magnetic behavior, with axial magnetization of 12.7 A·m 2 kg −1 at 6 T and intrinsic coercivity of 9.6 kOe. These findings demonstrate that SSE can produce Al-based load-bearing magnetic composites while preserving useful SmCo5 functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Permanent Magnets Featuring Heavy Main Group Elements for Magnetic Anisotropy

Permanent magnets are the functional component of electric motors and generators found in numerous renewable energy applications. To improve energy conversion in such applications, we require fundamentally new magnets that generate higher magnetic flux per volume while retaining the properties conferred by rare-earth elements incorporated into current technologies. We hypothesize that by engendering a covalent interaction between two elements, we can access a new regime of magnetic materials where the two components of a magnetic moment—spin and orbital angular momentum—come from two separate atoms to form a complete magnetic moment. Our previous research utilized high-pressure conditions to discover two new candidate materials ideal for assessing this hypothesis. The first material, FeBi 2 , enables the study of an unprecedented solid state metal-metal bonding interaction. The second, MnBi 2 represents the second member of the promising Mn–Bi family known for its magnetic properties. Importantly, MnBi 2 is isostructural to FeBi 2 . Together these chemically simple but magnetically rich materials provide an elegant platform for elucidating fundamental design principals of magnetic anisotropy while inspiring the synthesis of new magnetic materials. More generally, solid-state chemistry remains a synthetic black box. To fully harness the potential of such new materials, it is vital to create a window into both the structure and the properties of our high-pressure materials. One missing area of importance to energy science is high-pressure magnetometry. To this end, we assessed the magnetic structure of these materials through two objectives: (1) we performed magnetometry measurements at high-pressures, including performing high-pressure X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) experiments on these materials that are only synthesized at high-pressure and cannot be recovered to ambient conditions and (2) we targeted the recovery of these materials using dynamic compression approaches, starting with laser shock techniques. Future directions include expanding our focus to ternary phase space, employing high-throughput computational approaches to direct our search for magnetic materials across the Periodic Table. This award was originated at Northwestern, and reopened as a new grant at MIT. This is the close out for Northwestern.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Rotor Magnet Fault Analysis in Permanent Magnet AC Machines Under Load Conditions - All Electric Transportation Systems

This paper studies the performance of a Permanent Magnet (PM) alternating-current (AC) machine when subjected to faults under load conditions. The effect of varying load torques, and unbalances are found to be potential causes of rotor faults, inducing physical magnet defects or broken rotor-PMs. The consequent and immediate impact on the machine quantities is observed through anomalous change in torque-speed characteristics and other vital signatures such as machine back-EMF/flux and motor current signatures (MCS). The present research study develops and illustrates a method to diagnose physical magnet defects (fault) in PMAC machines by estimating the machine torque/back-EMF constant, Ke. The constant Ke is a measure of magnet strength exhibiting the health of rotor PMs, indicative of faults. Advanced research studies and investigations are carried out to establish motor approximations and signature-based analysis as significant viable tools for diagnosing machine faults even under load conditions.

alternating current↗
DOE OSTI2025

MnBi 2 Is a Permanent Magnet

Creating and understanding new permanent magnets requires an understanding of the impact of orbital angular momentum on coercivity. A simple approach to interrogating this relationship is by incorporating high Z (where Z is the atomic number) elements into binary compounds to maximize spin–orbit coupling. The Mn–Bi system is an appealing platform for these studies since it contains MnBi, a permanent magnet with a large coercive field. We previously identified a new compound in the Mn–Bi system, MnBi 2 , but could not elucidate its magnetic properties ex situ due to its decomposition upon decompression. Here, we harnessed synchrotron X-ray magnetic circular dichroism to probe the magnetism of MnBi 2 at high pressure within a diamond anvil cell. Our results indicate that MnBi 2 exhibits ferromagnetic hysteresis at both 10 K and room temperature. Through calculations and experiments, we show that orbital angular momentum and spin–orbit coupling from Bi impart magnetic anisotropy in MnBi 2 . Comparing the Mn–Bi family of compounds, we consider the Bi p and d orbitals to explain the differences in magnetic behavior within the system. Collectively, these results validate leveraging high-Z elements in the synthesis of new hard permanent magnets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of atom substitutions on the magnetic properties in Ce 2 Fe 17 : Toward permanent magnet applications

Due to the rapidly developing technologies and huge market demand, there has been increasing interest internationally in exploring permanent magnet formulations in addition to the well-known Nd 2 Fe 14 B and SmCo 5 /Sm 2 Co 17 . Given Fe's low materials cost and generally high magnetization, Fe-rich rare earth binaries such as Ce 2 Fe 17 comprise a rich “hunting ground” for such new materials. While this compound suffers from a low ordering point and is a heli magnet, these difficulties are easily remedied by the substitution of appropriate amounts of cobalt for Fe, with room-temperature saturation magnetization as high as 1.5 T. In this work, we try to switch the all-important magnetic anisotropy from planar to uniaxial behavior in Ce 2 Fe 17 via 18 h - and 6 c -type atom substitutions with Si, Ir, and numerous other atoms. The uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy is successfully achieved in the 6 c -site-substituted Ce 2 Fe 15 Ir 2 systems, along with large magnetization. We find that iridium substitution, in particular, induces a substantial uniaxial anisotropy of 11.25 MJ/m 3 , which is comparable to most of the current rare earth permanent magnets. Although the iridium substitution is costly, the finding of Ir-triggered uniaxial magnetic anisotropy indicates the potential of Ce–Fe-based alloys for permanent magnets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design and instrumentation for permanent magnet samples exposed to a radiation environment

This work is part of a larger program to study the effects of radiation on permanent magnets in an accelerator environment. In order to be sure that the permanent magnet samples are accurately placed, measured, and catalogued we have developed a system of sample racks, holders and measuring apparatuses. We have combined these holders and measurement racks with electronics to allow a single computer to catalogue the position and intensity of the magnet measurements. We outline the design of the apparatus, the collection software, and the methodology we will use to collect the data.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Summary of Results for Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) Experiments with Compact Electron Permanent Magnet Spectrometer (CEPMS)

The Compact Electron Permanent Magnet Spectrometer (CEPMS) shown in Figure 2 consists of collimation at the electron beam entrance, a vacuum chamber for beam transport and a removable 60 degree sector magnet constructed by SABR Enterprises (Ref 2) that is used to momentum analyze the incoming electron beam. There are electron detection planes located perpendicular to straight through and the 60 degree trajectory ports. The planes are designed to accept phosphor screens for time integrated measurements. The screens can be replaced by scintillator for time resolved measurements using gated or streak cameras. The length of the spectrometer along the beamline without the collimator is about 400mm (14”). The spectrometer requires no power supply with controls for cycling or cooling for the magnet. The entire assembly, with magnet installed, weighs about 35kg (75lbs) Figure 3 depicts central and extreme trajectories through the spectrometer for various electron energies. The chamber accommodates a +/-50mm wide detection field relative to the center trajectory. Trajectories with larger momentum (energy) are bent the least. Since the permanent magnet slides off and on with reference to the upstream edge of the vacuum chamber, it can be adjusted to various positions to slightly increase or decrease the central energy thereby changing the range of available energies. Figure 4 shows the effect of changing the location of the permanent magnet on the electron trajectory. A small inward change in r produces a longer trajectory in the magnet therefore, the same energy trajectory is bent more.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Permanent magnets for ELM suppression in tokamaks: feasibility and operational compatibility

Permanent magnets can provide static magnetic fields without power supplies or feed lines, offering a simpler alternative to conventional electromagnets in tokamaks. This work examines permanent magnet arrays (PMAs) for edge localized mode (ELM) control in double-null (DN) configurations, where traditional RMP coils exhibit limited effectiveness. Linear plasma response calculations using IPEC assess high-field-side (HFS) permanent magnet placement, benchmarking performance against DIII-D low-field-side (LFS) internal coils (I-coils) while evaluating engineering constraints. Modeling results demonstrate that HFS permanent magnet configurations generate HFS plasma response amplitudes more than 5 times larger than conventional I-coil systems. While other resonant response metrics show comparable or reduced response relative to I-coils, the combination of conventional RMP systems and permanent magnets is expected to provide enhanced performance. Operational impact assessments of persistent magnetic fields, including sideband field effects and startup/ramp-up compatibility, reveal acceptable performance within established operational boundaries. This analysis establishes PMAs as a technically viable approach for DN ELM control with reductions in system complexity, motivating further experimental validation on existing tokamak facilities.

3D magnetic perturbation↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Review of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine Technology

Axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPM) are popular for applications that benefit from high torque density and an axially compact form factor, such as in-wheel traction drives. Although the radial flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) and the AFPM work based on the same underlying principle, the differences in their geometry introduce complexities in analysis of the AFPM. In this paper, the different AFPM design variants, their sizing approaches, computationally efficient design optimization techniques, and manufacturing techniques reported in literature are reviewed. In addition to classical AFPM machines, emerging variants and research opportunities with potential to push the boundaries of electric machine technology are reviewed. Furthermore, these include bearingless AFPMs, magnetically geared AFPMs, and combined radial-axial flux machines.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recent Advances in Analysis and Design of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Electric Machines

Axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPM) are popular for applications that benefit from high torque density and an axially compact form factor, such as in-wheel traction drives. Although the radial flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) and the AFPM work based on the same underlying principle, the differences in their geometry introduce complexities in analysis of the AFPM. In this paper, the different AFPM design variants, their sizing approaches, computationally efficient design optimization techniques, and manufacturing techniques reported in literature are reviewed. In addition to classical AFPM machines, emerging variants and research opportunities with potential to push the boundaries of electric machine technology are reviewed. These include bearingless AFPMs, magnetically geared AFPMs, and combined radial-axial flux machines.

Nishanth, FNU↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-performance permanent-magnet materials based on CeFe 12

We perform first-principles calculations on the Mo/Zr-alloyed ThMn 12 -structure prototype CeFe 12 to explore its electronic and magnetic properties and potential for permanent magnet applications. A recent experiment has shown that the Mo/Zr-alloyed CeFe 12 phase with the symmetry 𝐼⁢4/𝑚⁢𝑚⁢𝑚 can be stabilized in bulk. It encourages an investigation into the intrinsic magnetic characteristics of the base structure CeFe 12 and the effect of transition metal alloying in it. Our calculations reveal that the base structure prototype CeFe 12 in its tetragonal phase exhibits uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with a magnetic anisotropy energy (𝐾 1 ) ∼ 1 MJ/m −3 and a substantial magnetic moment of ∼ 1.8T, showing its promise as a permanent magnet. The introduction of the stabilizing transition metals Zr, Mo, and W reduces these values but still keeps the materials very promising. Notably, when 50% of Ce is substituted by Sm in Mo-alloyed CeFe 12 , the 𝐾 1 is significantly enhanced, accompanied by a fairly decent magnetic moment of ∼ 1.2T. These findings establish this alloy as a strong candidate for high-performance permanent magnet applications. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of strategic element substitution and site selection in transition metal-alloyed CeFe 12 to achieve both structural stability and remarkable magnetic properties.

Density of states↗
DOE OSTI2022

Critical-Element-Free Permanent-Magnet Materials Based on Ce 2 Fe 14 B

Developing a critical-element-free low-cost permanent magnet is an urgent necessity in view of rapidly developing technologies and the associated huge market demand for Nd 2 Fe 14 B-based magnets. Here, inspired by the abundant and low-cost nature of Ce and these high-performance Nd 2 Fe 14 B permanent magnets, we explore whether it is in fact possible to attain a useful performance in alloys based on the sister material Ce 2 Fe 14 B, employing both experimental and theoretical efforts. Experimentally, we study Ce 2 Fe 14 B with Co, La, and Zr substitutions. The Zr substitution is explored in view of Zr’s frequent role in enhancing magnetic anisotropy in permanent magnets, while the Co and La substitutions serve to remedy the too-low Curie point of 433 K in the base alloy. While we find no Zr-related anisotropy enhancement either experimentally or theoretically, the cosubstitution of La and Co indeed improves the Curie temperature as well as the magnetization, M s , with a potential energy product as high as 38 MG Oe. These properties together suggest optimization of the alloy LaCeFe 12.7 Co 1.3 B (with only 7 wt % cobalt) as a critical-element-free permanent magnet. While the substituted elements do not enhance magnetic anisotropy, from theory, we find a substantial increase, to a first anisotropy constant, K1, as high as 4.24 MJ/m 3 , associated with Bi substitution for Ce. In this paper, our experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the great potential of La, Co, and Bi substitutions in developing low-cost and critical-element-free Ce 2 Fe 14 B-based permanent magnets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis and properties of bulk cobalt-carbide permanent magnets

Nanocrystalline bulk Co-C permanent magnets were produced by rapid hot consolidation of ball milled powder precursors. Bulk magnets with an average grain size of 20 nm and densities up to 94 percent of the theoretical density were successfully processed at pressures exceeding 1 GPa for the first time. Their microstructural and magnetic properties along with their magnetocrystalline anisotropy values are reported. Presence of iron contamination that results from the use steel milling media in milling was confirmed by elemental mapping of the bulk magnets. It is concluded that iron bonds in the form of hematite and does not adversely affect coercivity values. Here, this study shows that the Co 3 C compound does possess a sizable magnetocrystalline anisotropy, making it a suitable candidate as a rare earth free permanent magnet.

Co3 C↗
DOE OSTI2020

Topology optimization of permanent magnets for stellarators

In this work, we introduce a topology optimization method to design permanent magnets for advanced stellarators. Recent researches show that permanent magnets have great potentials to simplify stellarator coils. We adopt state-of-the-art numerical techniques to determine the presence of magnets in the entire designing space. The FAMUS code is developed and it can design engineering-feasible permanent magnets for general stellarators satisfying the constraints of the maximum material magnetization and explicit forbidden regions. FAMUS has been successfully verified against the previously proposed linear method. Three different permanent magnet designs together with planar TF coils for a half-Tesla NCSX configuration have been obtained for demonstrations. The designs have good accuracy in generating the desired equilibrium and offer considerably large plasma access on the outboard side. The results show that FAMUS is a flexible, advanced numerical tool for future permanent magnet stellarator designs.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗