Design Concept of a Magnetic Levitation Multifunction Mechanical Testing Device

This article proposes a noncontact multi-function mechanical testing device using magnetic levitation mechanism, in which a specimen can be tested in various ways (Tension, compression, bending and torsion) while the specimen and few parts are being levitated. This article mainly focuses on the design of the magnetic levitation mechanism, tension mechanism, compression mechanism, bending mechanism and torsion mechanism. Furthermore, FEM (Finite Element Method) analyses were conducted to calculate the loading capacities of the devices. Moreover, control simulations were performed to examine the stability and robustness of the levitation under the maximum tension force, compression force, bending force and torque. Finally, control simulation results demonstrated that the levitation control system has good stability and robustness under the maximum tension force, compression force, bending force and torque.