Fabrication of HTS monoliths for a bearing system in a cryogenic vessel

Melt-textured YBCO monoliths were prepared by the top-seeded-melt-growth (TSMG) method with quadratic shape and dimensions of 38 mm/spl times/38 mm/spl times/12 mm. Generally, 16 samples of that size are prepared in one batch by carefully adjusting the processing parameters. Typical values of the maximum frozen-in field vary from 600-700 mT. A remarkably high value of 865 mT was recorded for a sample with dimensions of 17 mm/spl times/17 mm/spl times/12 mm. The levitation forces of these samples typically amount to 60-70 N. A demonstration model of a cryogenic vessel using arrangements of TSMG-YBCO monoliths and permanent magnets showed an improved performance compared to that of a conventional vessel.