Title:  Optimization and Design of Coils for Electromagnetic Induction Systems

Committee: 

Dr. Scott, Advisor        

Dr. Durgin, Chair

Dr. Peterson

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to develop coil  representations and optimization procedures that will then be used to  create novel coils for electromagnetic induction (EMI) systems. Such  systems include those that work in the quasi-magnetostatic regime using  the principles of induction.  These include such applications as short  distance communication, wireless charging, nondestructive testing, and  detection of obscured objects.  This work will focus on coils for use in  continuous-wave (CW) EMI systems that are used for the detection of  objects buried beneath the ground. Most CW systems use at least two coils - a transmit and a  receive - placed in close proximity to one another.  Because of their  proximity, the coils must have minimum mutual coupling.  It is believed  that improvements in the sensitivity of the coils and the rejection of  unwanted signals induced in the receive coil by mineralized soil can be made through coil optimization. Additionally, other factors, such as the  the effects of coil tilt on the soil response must be considered. The problem is non-trivial both because wire-wound coils are difficult  to parameterize and because the problem has a complicated solution space. After the coil representations and optimization procedures are  designed and tested, physical coils will be constructed, tested, and  compared to other commonly used coils. The new coils will also be tested  with an existing EMI system.