A field enhance method for levitating non-magnetic substances using an ordinary superconducting magnet

Abstract

A method has been proposed recently for levitating non-magnetic substances using a 10 T superconducting magnet by "magneto-Archimedes method" based on the paramagnetic attraction of pressurized oxygen gas into the field. In this study, we calculated the enhancement of magnetic field B and B dB/dz by introducing an iron yoke into the magnet in order to improve the levitation force. The field increased up to ca. 10% and B dB/dz increased ca. 30%. In association, the oxygen pressuren required for levitating e.g. water would decreased by ca. 40%, indicating that the method could be practicized under a lower oxygen pressre. The utilization of the yoke, therfore, should ease the applcation of the "magneto-Archimedes levitation".