Application of melt-textured YBCO to electromagnetic launchers

Melt-textured YBCO superconductors are capable of carrying higher current densities than comparable copper conductors, and can therefore be used in electromechanical devices requiring high power densities. The advantage of textured YBCO superconductors is most pronounced in large systems such as electromagnetic launchers for aircraft carriers. In general, an electromagnetic launcher consists of a series of stationary pulsed electromagnets (the primary), which attract and/or repel a carriage carrying one or more magnets (the secondary). Several possibilities exist for the incorporation of HTSs into EM launchers, with the most direct being upgrading the magnets in the secondary to melt-textured YBCO. A system was developed to study propulsive force in a coaxial-type launcher. Results from this study are presented and their implications for launcher development discussed. A second type of launcher was also studied, with a power supply integrated into the launcher primary, so that the primary serves as a superconducting magnetic energy storage system. A method of optimizing energy conversion in a system of this type has been found. The time dependence of the magnetic field in this type of launcher is presented.