Design of a Magnet Assembly for an NMR Based Sensor Using Finite Element Analysis

A magnet assembly is a critical element of a nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) based sensor. Magnetic flux density and homogeneity are essential to its optimum performance. Geometry and magnet material properties determine the magnetic flux density and homogeneity of the assembly. This study was carried out to develop the design for a magnet assembly. A 2-D finite element model for the magnetic assembly was developed using ANSYS and evaluated the effects of adding shimming frames and steel bars in the corners of the rectangular steel cover which surrounded the magnet. The assembly was manufactured and evaluated. According to the ANSYS model, modified pole frames increased magnetic flux density by 8.3% and increased homogeneity by 83%. Addition of steel bars in the corners increased the magnetic flux density by 1%, and improved homogeneity up to three times. The difference between simulated and measured magnetic flux densities at the center point of the air gap was within 2.4%.