Some initial experimental results for a new form of magnetic suspension

A new form of magnetic suspension, known as Mixed-Mu Magnetic Suspension may be applicable to levitated ground transport. The new suspension uses the diamagnetism of superconducting materials to stabilise the attraction between a superconducting magnet and a ferromagnetic rail. Results from a series of experiments to investigate the static characteristics of a Mixed-Mu system based on a high-field superconducting magnet, stabilising superconducting surfaces and a steel rail are presented. Computational analysis of the experimental system is also described, with corresponding results for static force characteristics.