Comparison of the Lift and Guidance Performances of Two Guideways, with and without Magnetic Side Rims, Interacting with HT_C Superconductor

Abstract

The paper reports the results of levitation tests carried out by using an experimental ring device employing a cooled high critical temperature superconductor ring interacting with magnetic field generated by two different types of circular tracks. The tracks are composed of homopolar permanent magnets arranged in loose soft iron slot with and without magnetic side rims. The experimental device reproduces, by analogy, the magneto-dynamic behaviour of a magnetically levitated vehicle with superconductors on board, riding above a magnetic guideway. Two types of inductors have been replaced on the experimental device achieving two different configurations of system that are described and examined. Lift and guidance forces have been tested in a wide range of work conditions and the levitation performances are compared and discussed.