Modal Analysis of High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets Under Multi-Physical Loads

Although very important, the mechanical properties of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are not as highly valued as their excellent electromagnetic performance such as high current transmitting and high magnetic density. The modal characteristics of HTS magnets under multi-physical loads may cause adverse structural responses, which may cast a negative impact on the electromagnetic performance of the magnets and even hinder the normal operation of the entire machine. To figure out the modal characteristics of the HTS magnets in the working environment, a series of analyses were conducted in this paper using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and modal experimental methods. FEA models for an HTS motor magnet were established, and the accuracy of the models was verified with experimental data. Based on that, the influence of thermal and electromagnetic loads on the modal characteristics of the HTS magnet was further studied. The results indicate that electromagnetic loads hardly cause any changes in the modal frequency of the HTS magnets, but the thermal load can significantly reduce the modal frequency by 13.97%. This study provides an important basis for the design and vibration analysis of HTS motors in the future and supplements the research on the mechanical properties of HTS magnets.