Dynamic characterization and parametric analysis of a novel eddy current intelligent damper

Conventional eddy current dampers, although effective for passive vibration suppression, are incapable of providing real-time damping tunability. This inherent limitation critically compromises vibration control performance in systems subjected to multi-frequency coupled excitation conditions. To address this limitation, the current study develops an eddy current intelligent damper (ECID) incorporating three primary components: (1) a hybrid excitation magnetic field source composed of excitation windings and permanent magnets (PMs), (2) conductor disk, and (3) ball screw mechanism for converting the linear motion of the damper into the rotational motion of the conductor disk. In this configuration, damping forces are modulated via excitation current control. A two-dimensional (2-D) electromagnetic model is constructed using a combined equivalent magnetic circuit and subdomain method, capturing the PMs’ flux leakage and eddy current reaction fields. Analytical expressions for the velocity-dependent damping force and energy dissipation power are then derived, incorporating 3-D corrections to reflect practical eddy current distribution effects. Finite element method (FEM) simulations validate the damping torque predictions, yielding a mean error of 3.1% and individual errors below 8% within the 0–2000 rpm operational range. A parametric analysis then reveals the effects of critical design parameters on force‒velocity characteristics. Additionally, thermal effects on the mechanical performance of the ECID are evaluated through coupled electromagnetic‒thermal FEM simulations. Harmonic loading tests conducted under axial velocities of 0.019‒0.377 m/s reveal a maximum reduction in peak damping force of ≤4.92%, with the temperature rise of the conductor disk remaining below 87°C. Overall, the proposed ECID offers a tunable and efficient solution for intelligent vibration control in dynamic systems.