Magnetic levitation force measurement on high T/sub c/ superconducting ceramic/polymer composites

An experimental study of magnetic levitation force for 0-3 and 3-3 superconducting ceramic-polymer composites is presented. A simple, inexpensive force-versus-distance measurement technique is described. The measurements of force against distance or magnetic field show strong hysteretic behavior, which is similar to the sintered superconductor ceramics and is consistent with the hysteresis in magnetization of superconductor. The volume fraction dependence and sample thickness dependence of the levitation forces are also studied for 0-3 composites. Results suggest that the new composite materials are most suitable for levitation applications.<
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