Quarterly Progress Report: Modeling and Simulation of the Homopolar Motor Test Apparatus

摘要

The US Navy is in the advanced stages of developing a superconducting homopolar motor/generator (SCHPMG) machine for ship propulsion. Electrical contact (brush/slip ring) performance is a limiting factor in SCHPMG technology development. Experimental evidence has shown that brush wear is not only highly asymmetric among brushes of opposite polarity (anode and cathode) but is also non-uniform within the contact area of the individual brush. This asymmetric and non-uniform wearing has limited the life and efficiency of the brush assembly, and debris from worn brushes can adversely affect the machine operating environment. Accurate EM characterization of the brush/rotor or brush/slip ring interface is essential not only for understanding the wear behavior of the brush but also for optimal brush design.