Application of high temperature superconductors on levitation bearings, torque transmissions and vibration dampers

The transfer of momentum between a permanent magnet and a type II superconductor without mutual physical contact is the central theme behind many mechanical applications of the new class of high-temperature ceramic superconductors. The properties of this momentum transfer and its applications were studied in a series of experiments as a proof of principle. The authors discuss the application of the force between permanent magnets and high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) in three different mechanical devices-a torque coupler, a magnetic bearing, and a vibration damper-based on the following two broad features of this forces. (1) A restoring force is generated by a piece of HTS material to oppose the motion of a magnet if and only if the magnet moves in such a way as to produce a change in the magnetic field in the space occupied by HTS material. (2) Back and forth cyclic motion of a magnet relative to a piece of HTS in the vicinity experiences hysteretic forces with loss of mechanical energy as a result. All the studies refer to melt-textured HTS material.<>