Magnetic levitation - superconductors

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the feasibility of using magnetic levitation with superconductors to support weight. The user inquires about the potential for a permanent magnet to levitate above a superconductor while supporting a mass of 1000m, where m represents the mass of the magnet. It is established that while magnetic levitation is a viable concept, the stability and weight capacity depend on specific parameters such as the type of superconductor and the strength of the magnet. The user seeks practical insights rather than analytical solutions, indicating a preference for empirical data or references to relevant studies.

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  • Understanding of magnetic levitation principles
  • Familiarity with superconductors and their properties
  • Knowledge of permanent magnets and their magnetic fields
  • Basic grasp of stability conditions in levitation systems
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Engineers, physicists, and researchers interested in magnetic levitation technology, particularly those exploring applications in transportation or material handling systems.

skrat
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The question I have is rather simple and straightforward so here it is: How much weight can a magnet support and still levitate above a superconductor?

We all know about super fast levitating trains and I want to use the same idea for something else. However before looking deeper into magnetic levitation and starting a research I would like to make sure it is actually even possible.

So putting a permanent magnet above a superconductor:
- does it barely levitate or
- could it hold ##1000m## and still levitate if ##m## is the mass of the magnet?

I am not looking for an analytic solution. Just a rough guess or a link to some article would be good enough at the moment! Basically the whole idea is that I want to lift (for a couple of mm would suffice) an object using a levitation. The levitation has to be stable.

Thanks for all the help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
skrat said:
- could it hold ##1000m## and still levitate if ##m## is the mass of the magnet?
That's not unrealistic.

This paper could have numbers.
 

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