Gravimeter using high-temperature superconductor bearing.
We have developed a sensitive gravimeter concept that uses an extremely low-friction bearing based on a permanent magnet (PM) levitated over a high-temperature superconductor (HTS). A mass is attached to the PM by means of a cantilevered beam, and the combination of PM and HTS forms a bearing platform that has low resistance to rotational motion but high resistance to horizontal, vertical, or tilting motion. The combination acts as a low-loss torsional pendulum that can be operated in any orientation. Gravity acts on the cantilevered beam and attached mass, accelerating them. Variations in gravity can be detected by time-of-flight acceleration, or by a control coil or electrode that would keep the mass stationary. Calculations suggest that the HTS gravimeter would be as sensitive as present-day superconducting gravimeters that need cooling to liquid helium temperatures, but the HTS gravimeter needs cooling only to liquid nitrogen temperatures.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10690
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/ET/CP-95921; TRN: AH200127%%275
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1998 Applied Superconductivity Conference, Palm Desert, CA (US), 09/13/1998--09/18/1998; Other Information: PBD: 11 Sep 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method and apparatus for measuring gravitational acceleration utilizing a high temperature superconducting bearing
Method and apparatus for measuring gravitational acceleration utilizing a high temperature superconducting bearing