Levitation performance of YBCO bulk in different applied magnetic fields

The maglev performance of bulk high-Tc superconductor (HTS) is investigated above three different types of permanent magnet guideways (PMGs). The main difference among these PMGs is the method used to concentrate the magnetic flux. The experimental results indicate that the levitation force depends only in part on the peak value of the magnetic field. The variation of the vertical component of the magnetic field (Bz), and the structure of the magnetic field are also responsible for the levitation force. These results imply that the permanent magnet with high coercive force is better at concentrating flux than iron. The conclusions contribute in a very helpful way to the design and optimization of PMGs for HTS maglev systems.