Optimization of superconducting magnetic bearings using finite element modeling

This project investigated the possibility of using superconducting bearings in large (3 - 100 MW) electric drives. Superconducting bearings are used to levitate the rotors inside electric drives via the Meiissner effect, whereby superconductors tend to repel magnetic flux. The Finite Element Method was used to model superconducting bearings and optimize their dimensions. Computer simulations were written to simulate the superconducting state as well as perform the optimization. Not only the effect of changing the dimensions of the bearings was explored, but also how effects specific to type II superconductors -such as the partial penetration of magnetic flux- could be used to improve bearing design were considered. Ultimately, a superconducting magnetic bearing with a carrying force of 3210 N was improved to obtain a carrying force of 5200 N.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Physics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Bryslawskyj, Jason (Jason Bogdan)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ulrich Becker.

• Physics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/51606

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/51606