Abstract
Keyword:
Eddy current retarder, Rotor plate, Thermal field, Numerical analysis, Varying time step method
Abstract
The physical model based on heat transfer theory and virtual boundary method for analyzing the unsteady thermal field of the rotor plate of eddy current retarder used in automobile is established and boundary conditions are defined in this paper. The FE (finite element) governing equation is derived using Galerkin method. The time differential item has been discrete based on Galerkin format that is stable at any condition. And a new style of varying time step method is used in iteration process. The thermal field on the rotor plate at the radial and axle directions is analyzed and the temperature distribution on two side-surfaces of the rotor plate at axel direction is measured. The testing and analytical data are uniform approximately. The wind tunnel structure and thickness of the rotor plate can be changed to achieve higher heat transfer coefficient and to lower temperature rise on the rotor plate, then braking performance stability of eddy current retarder can be improved.