Abstract
This paper presents an innovative bearing design for linear and rotatory superconducting magnetic bearings. In order to evaluate the bearings characteristics, two test benches have been set up and several tests for a temperature range from 40 K to 80 K have been performed. A description of the test facilities and the results are presented. Further the realization of the necessary activation process for SMB is discussed and a solution is given, which makes the use of SMB possible for applications that don't allow any displacement of the suspended part of the machinery.