PREM   The Pacific Rim Electro-Mechanical Laboratory

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Facilities and Equipment at PREM

The facilities and equipment at PREM are uniquely suited to its mission. In addition to the usual array of laboratory test equipment (such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, amplifiers, and dynamic signal analyzers) PREM has the following unique facilities available for use in its research. 

Finite element modeling and computing environments. Finite element analysis of magnetic and mechanical systems is one of the major strengths of PREM. In addition to ANSYS, the code TOSCA is also used. A variety of computer workstations, including high end PC’s with NT operating systems and IBM RS/6000 computers are used to run the FEM software. These facilities permit the 2-dimensional and 3-dimension analysis of many different kinds of electromechanical devices, including DC brushless motors, switched reluctance motors, and magnetic bearings. Because of the capability of finite element analysis, relatively complicated geometries may be modeled with a great deal of accuracy.

Fast, lumped parameter modeling and computing environments. An internally developed lumped parameter model permits the quick sizing of permanent magnet DC motors for design applications. Although not a precise as finite element analysis, this code is 2 to 3 orders of magnitude quicker in computation time. This capability permits many parameter variations in the motor geometry to be evaluated very quickly. The code runs on any standard PC. 

Laser vibrometry vibration measurement. Polytec and TSI Laser Doppler Vibrometry equipment is available for the measurement of vibration. The Polytec laser is of the optical fiber and camera type, making the device very flexible for a variety of applications. This equipment is well suited for vibration measurement of very small structures because no addition of mass to the structure is required (as with accelerometers). The laser method is also extremely well suited for the measurement of vibration in the presence of electrical and magnetic fields. Since the standoff distance of the equipment is relatively long, and the laser beam is unaffected by electrical and magnetic fields, the accuracy of the measurement is unaffected by these fields.

Runout measuring system. An ADE runout measuring system (capacitance type) or a Philtec photosensor can be used for the non-contact measurement of spindle runouts. These systems provide accuracy into the nano-meter range. For high precision spindles, these devices provide and excellent measurement capability.

 Torque measurement for small motors. A Vibrac motor torque tester is used to measure the static and dynamic performance of fractional horsepower motors of all types. The internal electro-magnetic load can be used to simulate the load produced on a test motor, and the optical torque gage can measure very small variations in the torque output.

High energy magnetizer and magnetizing fixtures. The Universal Magnetics magnetizer and magnetizing fixtures can be used to magnetize rare earth magnets. This magnetizer has an energy capacity of 90,000 Joules, with a voltage limit of 1500 volts. Magnetizing currents as high as 25,000 Amperes can be produced.

Instruments for acoustic measurement. A B&K sound level meter is used to measure the acoustic noise output of a motor or a system.

Instruments for dynamic analysis. A variety of equipment is available for use for dynamic and structural analysis these include Dynamic Signal Analyzers (HP35670A and Reon), a B&K shaker with power amplifier, an impact hammer, an optical breadboard table, and granite tables. A large array of accelerometers with charge amplifiers, and various other kinds of sensors are available for use.

Machine Shop on Site.  A fully equipped machine and model shop is available for the fabrication of prototypes, test equipment, tooling and fixtures.  The shop includes NC mills, lathes, and an EDM machine which can shape soft iron as well as hard magnets.

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