How to Design an Eddy Current Braking System for a Roller Coaster?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing an Eddy Current Braking System for a roller coaster using a copper fin and permanent magnets. The user seeks assistance in calculating the necessary mass of copper and the strength of the magnets required to achieve adequate deceleration of the roller coaster car. The choice of permanent magnets is emphasized for safety reasons, and a reference to a relevant IEEE paper is provided for further insights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Eddy Current principles
  • Knowledge of magnetism and magnetic fields
  • Familiarity with materials science, specifically properties of copper
  • Basic physics of motion and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculations for Eddy Current braking force
  • Study the properties of permanent magnets versus electromagnets
  • Explore material selection criteria for roller coaster components
  • Review the IEEE paper on magnetics for advanced insights
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in designing safety systems for amusement rides, particularly those focused on roller coaster technology.

bill nye scienceguy!
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I have to try and design said system for a university project where we're designing a roller coaster. Basically its going to be a copper fin that will move between two magnets but I have no idea how to calculate the mass of copper and strength of magnet I'll need to decelerate the car sufficiently. I'm using permanent magnets rather than electro-magnets for safety reasons.

can anyone help?
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do not multiple post your questions. I've deleted the other two threads you started in other forums, and left this one here. This is probably the most appropriate forum for your question, since it's a moderately advanced project, rather than standard homework.
 

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