Magnetoelastic (In)stability and Vibrations

Abstract

In modern technological equipments, such as fusion reactors, magnetic energy storage devices, MRI-scanners, superconducting generators, and magnetically levitated trains, huge magnetic fields occur. These fields are generated by high currents through superconducting coils. In these devices, the superconducting currents are so high that the coils are subjected to strong magnetic forces. These forces can cause unwanted vibrations (resulting in loud unpleasant noise as in MRI-scanners) or even collapse (buckling) of structures (coils) in e.g. fusion reactors. Therefore, in the design of these devices the analysis of the vibrations and the stability of magnetic and superconducting structural elements due to electromagnetic forces plays an important role.