Re: Magnets, magnets, the magical magnet

[Mitch Loescher <Loescher@tamu.edu>]

>>> And how about replacing those ball-bearings with the circular magnets? No
>>> more lubricants to worry about! And no friction!! That should add several
>>> mph to the top end!!!
>
>I feel compelled to point out that there _is_ friction (or drag, anyway) in a 
>magnetic bearing.  No need for lubrication or service, though, which is the 
>primary advantage.

Magnetic bearings also induce eddy currents in metals which act the same as
linear dampners.  Hence while magnetic bearings are "friction free", they
aren't energy-loss free.  Ever heard of an eddy current dyno?  It is the
preferred way to dissipate mechanical energy...I'll let you in on a
secret...most of the people on the list own a little eddy current dyno
device.  Care to guess where?

 - Mitch