DESIGN OF A SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID-HELIUM FLOW EXPERIMENT

We discuss a preliminary design for superconducting magnetic suspensio n system for measurement of drag on rotationally symmetric bodies in l iquid helium. Due to its diamagnetic properties, a superconducting mod el (for example made or coated with Nb) is inherently stable against d isturbances. In addition, drag measurement may be achieved by a passiv e technique, where the body is allowed to deflect from its neutral pos ition under the influence of drag. The resulting shift in flux is dete cted via a superconducting pickup coil. The pickup coil may be connect ed either to a SQUID, or a secondary loop wound around a Hall probe.