EXPLORATORY STUDY OF A MAGNETIC BEARING USING SUPERCONDUCTIVE MAGNETS.

Abstract

The authors propose a new rotor-supporting system using the strong magnetic field of a superconductive magnet. The experimental prototype was manufactured and its performances were evaluated experimentally and theoretically. the prototype consists of a cryostat, superconductive magnets, a rotor, mechanical auxiliary bearing, and so on. This newly devised cryostat can transmit an attrative force to a rotor which is placed in a normal temperature atmosphere. The bearing can suspend a rotor with hundreds of kilograms in the thrust direction using a mechanical auxiliary bearing in the radial direction. Besides, complete levitation is made possible when the currents of magnets are controlled automatically.