Comparative Assessment Of Single-axis Force Generation Mechanisms For Superconducting Suspensions

This paper presents potential approaches for generation of bidirectional magnetic force along a single axis using various properties peculiar to superconductors. Three active approaches and three passive approaches are examined and assessed. Active approaches use superconductors as flux creators that are energized by extornal current sources. Passive approaches use superconductors as flux receptors that create internal current sources under the action of external fluxes. The results of this assessment indicate that passive approaches would be useful in applications requiring low stiffness capabilities, and active approaches would be useful in applications requiring relatively high load.