Generally valid expressions and scaling rules are derived, which relate the
stored magnetic energy in a SMES and fly-wheel to the required minimum amo
unt of superconducting, structural and stabilizing material. Results are wi
dely independent of details like magnet type and dimensions, the only speci
fic design variable is a magnetic coil length h. It is shown how the experi
mentally observed design limit j(eff)(2)E(0) less than or equal to 2 x 10(2
3) J A(2)/m(4) follows from force arguments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.
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