permanent magnet bearings are incorporated into rotating equipment , such as induction machines , in addition to active magnetic or lubricated primary shaft support bearings . the passive magnetic bearings incorporate permanent magnets that generate directionally oriented magnetic fields of selective intensity . the magnetic field directions are aligned with a desired shaft support bearing preload direction and intensity , for example to exert axial thrust or radial preloads on the support bearings . a plurality of magnetic bearings may be oriented in opposed relationship with neutral or offsetting resultant forces . the passive magnetic force preload may be utilized to offset rotor vertical weight during induction startup or stopping cycles . passive magnetic force preload may be applied to lubricated bearings to assure their operational stability . the passive magnetic bearings can also absorb radial or axial thrust forces imparted on the rotor shaft during induction machine operation , that may reduce machine operational noise , and energy consumption .