Hybrid superconductor magnet bearings
Hybrid superconductor magnet bearings (HSMB`s) utilize high temperature superconductors (HTS`s) together with permanent magnets to form a frictionless interface between relatively rotating parts. They are low mass, stable, and do not incur expenditure of energy during normal operation. There is no direct physical contact between rotor and stator, and hence there is no wear and tear. However, just as any other applications of HTS`s, it requires a very cold temperature to function. Whereas this might be perceived as a disadvantage on earth, it is of no great concern in space or on the moon. To astronomers, the moon is an excellent site for an observatory, but the cold and dusty vacuum environment on the moon precludes the use of mechanical bearings on the telescope mounts. Furthermore, drive mechanisms with very fine steps, and hence bearings with extremely low friction are needed to track a star from the moon, because the moon rotates very slowly. All aspects considered, the HSMB is about the only candidate that fits in naturally. Here, the authors present a design for one such bearing, capable of supporting a telescope that weighs about 3 lbs on Earth.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, TX (United States). Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
- OSTI ID:
- 135350
- Report Number(s):
- N-96-10230; NASA-CP-3290-VOL-1; S-792-VOL-1; NAS-1.55:3290-VOL-1; CONF-940627-; TRN: 9610247
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 4. international conference and exhibition of the World Congress on Superconductivity, Orlando, FL (United States), 27 Jun - 1 Jul 1994; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 4th International Conference and Exhibition: World Congress on Superconductivity, volume 1; Krishen, K.; Burnham, C.; PB: [10] p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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