The application of permanent magnetic materials in the aerospace industry is an important embodiment of technological advancement. Their unique physical properties and outstanding performance make them irreplaceable in high-end technologies and harsh environmental conditions.
Types of Permanent Magnetic Materials Used in Aerospace
Samarium-cobalt magnets, neodymium-iron-boron magnets, and AlNiCo magnets possess high residual magnetism, high coercivity, and high magnetic energy product. This means they can maintain a stable magnetic field for an extended period and demonstrate strong resistance to external magnetic field interference. These characteristics make permanent magnetic materials very suitable for use in aerospace, especially in devices and systems that require efficient, reliable, and long-lasting operation.
Advantages of Samarium-Cobalt Magnets
| High-temperature performance: Samarium-cobalt magnets perform excellently in high-temperature environments, with a maximum operating temperature of up to 350°C.
| Corrosion resistance: Due to their higher cobalt content, samarium-cobalt magnets exhibit good corrosion resistance and do not require special surface treatment measures.
| Temperature coefficient: Samarium-cobalt magnets have a low-temperature coefficient, resulting in minimal impact on the magnetic field during temperature changes.
Advantages of Neodymium Magnets
| High magnetic performance: Neodymium-iron-boron magnets have relatively strong magnetic properties and are known as “magnetic kings” or powerful magnets.
| Cost-effectiveness: Compared to samarium-cobalt magnets, neodymium-iron-boron magnets, which utilize less rare earth material, are relatively cheaper and provide lower costs for similar performance.
| Processing convenience: Neodymium-iron-boron magnets are somewhat fragile during production processes but are relatively soft and offer good machining properties.
Advantages of AlNiCo Magnets
| High remanence, ranging from 0.53 to 1.35 T, but with low coercivity, generally between 50 to 160 kA/m. It is easy to magnetize and demagnetize.
| The temperature coefficient of remanence is low, typically -0.02%/K; temperature stability is high, with an operating temperature of up to 550°C, and the Curie temperature can reach 890°C.
| It has strong corrosion resistance and high chemical stability.
Specific Applications of Permanent Magnetic Materials in Aerospace
Space Motors
Rare earth permanent magnet motors are a key direction for the development of aerospace motors. Due to the excellent magnetic properties of rare earth permanent magnetic materials, they can establish a strong permanent magnetic field without additional energy after magnetization.
These motors can be compact, lightweight, efficient, and have high power density, achieving efficiencies and response speeds unattainable by traditional motors. They are widely used in satellite attitude control, propulsion systems, and power management systems. For example, rare earth permanent magnet synchronous motors are used for satellite attitude adjustments and orbit maintenance due to their efficient and precise speed control and low noise characteristics.
Avionics
In avionics, permanent magnetic materials are used to manufacture high-performance magnetic components such as inductors, transformers, and filters. These components play a critical role in power conversion, signal processing, and electromagnetic compatibility, ensuring stable, efficient, and safe operation of avionics.
The application of permanent magnetic materials in the aerospace field demonstrates their superior performance and immense potential under extreme environmental conditions and high-end technologies. With technological advancements and growing demands, permanent magnetic materials will play an increasingly important role in the aerospace sector.
Permanent Magnetic Materials Provider
AS9100 is a quality management system (QMS) standard for the aerospace industry. One of Tengye’s manufacturing facilities has been certified for AS 9100 in the production and manufacturing of magnetic materials and magnetic assemblies for aerospace.
At Tengye, we’re thrilled to be early participants in your new projects. Our passion for magnets extends from material selection and design optimization to providing magnetic solutions. We hope to bring our knowledge and experience to the forefront by actively engaging in your upcoming projects. Work with our magnet experts to get the right magnet solution.
Image Source: Collinsaerospace & Linengineering & Skybrary & Wikipedia
