RABINS’ METHOD 167

5.4 DETERMINING THE WINDING FORCES

The force density vector, F, in SI units (Newtons/m3), is given by
F=J×B (5.68)
Since J is azimuthal and B has only r and z components, this reduces to
F=JBzar-JBrk (5.69)
where ar is the unit vector in the radial direction and k the unit axial
vector. We have omitted the ϕ subscript on J. Thus the radial forces are
due to the axial field component and vice versa.
In (5.69), the B-field values are the resultant from all the coils and J
is the current density at the point in question. This force density is
nonzero only over those parts of the winding which carry current. In
order to obtain net forces over all or part of a winding, it is necessary to
integrate (5.69) over the winding or winding part. For this purpose, the
winding can be subdivided into as fine a mesh as desired and F
computed at the centroids of these subdivisions and the resulting values
times the mesh volume element added.
One force which is useful to know is the compressive force which
acts axially at each axial position in the winding. We assume that the
windings are constrained at the two ends by pressure rings of some type.
We ignore gravity here. Starting from the bottom, we integrate the
axial forces upwards along the winding, stopping when the sum of the
downward acting forces reach a maximum. This is the net downward
force on the bottom pressure ring which is countered by an equal
upward force on the winding exerted by the pressure ring. We do the
same thing, starting from the top of the winding, integrating the axial
forces until the largest upwards acting summed force is reached. This
then constitutes the net upward force acting on the top pressure ring
which is countered by an equal downward force exerted by the pressure
ring. Including the reaction forces of the pressure rings, we then
integrate upwards say, starting at the bottom of the winding and at each
vertical position, the force calculated will be the compressive force at
that position since there will be an equal and opposite force acting from
above. This is illustrated in Fig. 5.3a.
© 2002 by CRC Press