 Announcing the Final Examination of Mr. Russell L. Case Jr. for the degree of Master of Science in Electrical EngineeringDate: 5 November 2007 When an electrical conducting volume is placed into a bore of an MRI under going an image scan, time varying magnetic gradients induce eddy currents onto this conducting material. These eddy currents in turn produce a mechanical torque on this volume. It is the goal of this thesis to produce a computer simulation of eddy currents produced by placing conducting materials inside an MRI bore. The first part of the thesis establishes the physics and principles behind an MRI system along with several applications. Next, this thesis presents an analysis of eddy current effects produced on a conductor placed into an MRI bore. The design and construction of simulated MRI magnetic fields is presented along with a study of simulated eddy currents in various test conducting volumes of various materials. Finally, techniques are discussed for reducing eddy currents in these conducting volumes and materials, along with simulation results showing the reduction in the applied eddy current. The findings of this thesis are summarized in the conclusions and recommendations are made for modification and future applications of these techniques and simulations. Outline of Studies: Educational Career: Committee in Charge: Approved for distribution by Dr. Arthur Weeks, Committee Chair, on 29 November 2007. The public is welcome to attend.
|