Flywheels for the storage and subsequent release of energy in general involve the suspension of rather large masses rotating at speeds limited by the strength of the flywheel material. Since drag torque on the flywheel represents an undesirable energy drain during storage, windage can be eliminated by operation in a vacuum, leaving bearing drag as a significant item. Using a vertical shaft configuration, a passive repulsion-type permanent-magnet thrust bearing is virtually frictionless while small, low-loss, oil-lubricated pintle bearings maintain the shaft radially. This paper discusses the analytical design of the passive magnetic-thrust bearing, including its nonrotating damper. Reliability of the system is high since no servo-control system is required.Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/ASLE Lubrication Conference in San Francisco, California, August 18–21, 1980.