SOME SMALL-SCALE HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTING MODELS FOR APPLICATIONS IN ELECTRICITY AND TRANSPORTATION

Some small-scale model machines, namely a synchronous generator, a lev itated bearing and a levitated vehicle are presented as applications o f high-temperature superconducting materials. The models have been con structed on the basis of calculation of the magnetic field and forces between permanent magnets and HTSC materials prepared by different fab rication techniques, that is cold-pressing, explosive-compaction and m elt-texturing. The fabrication of the superconductor plays a fundament al role in designing these machines, since large levitation forces can be achieved using superconductors with high pinning forces. The fabri cation processes as well as the main material aspects are also reporte d and discussed. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.