This work was carried out in collaboration with Tom Calvert of NSWCCD. The work resulted in a paper published as

C. Nataraj, and Thomas Calvert, 1995, Sixth International Symposium on Magnetic Bearings.

The geometric design of radial magnetic bearings is considered using an optimal design procedure. General expressions are derived for the performance variables of magnetic bearings of common geometry. An optimization algorithm is used to arrive at a solution that maximizes the load capacity subject to thermal and other mechanical constraints. The optimal solution is discussed with respect to the effect of various geometric parameters on the load capacity.