Development of a Superconductive Levitational Mechanism and Its Application to a Superconductive Radial Bearing

Abstract

A prototype superconductive levitational system by Meissner effect is successfully developed. The system is made up of a magnetic guide and a superconductive slider with no additional mechanisms for levitation. The superconductor used is made of YBaCuO with high critical temperature. Experimental results show that an optimal structure for the levitational system is obtained if the distance between the guide and the slider is given. This levitational mechanism is also applicable to the superconductive radial bearing.