Superconducting Magnet Partitions for Lorentz Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-field superconducting magnets face structural integrity issues due to Lorentz forces, which can cause damage and reduce the ability of the superconducting material to carry current.
Innovation Solution
The use of structural partitions interspersed between turns of superconducting material to distribute forces, combined with removable and movable partitions that allow for efficient winding and assembly, and the inclusion of cooling plates for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural partitions are inserted between turns of superconducting material to distribute Lorentz forces, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple partitions that are inserted between turns of the superconducting coil. Each partition independently supports and distributes Lorentz forces, preventing structural failure while maintaining the integrity of the superconducting material. This segmentation approach transforms a single complex support structure into multiple simpler, distributed elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Partitions serve as intermediary structures between the superconducting coil turns and the housing. These partitions mediate the mechanical stresses by providing a dedicated interface that distributes forces without directly contacting or damaging the fragile superconducting material, thus protecting it while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If partitions are made removable and movable to facilitate winding and assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The partitions are designed with movable and removable characteristics, allowing them to be dynamically positioned during the winding process and then secured in their final positions. This dynamic design enables easy assembly and manufacturing while maintaining structural reliability through proper positioning and securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable partition design allows preliminary assembly of the superconducting coil without the partitions in place, facilitating easier winding. Once the coil is wound, the partitions are inserted and secured in their predetermined positions, ensuring both ease of manufacture and structural reliability in the final assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If partitions are designed to minimize space occupation, then volume efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partitions are designed with non-uniform geometries that are optimized for their specific local positions within the coil. Each partition's shape and size are tailored to minimize space occupation in its particular location while providing adequate support, rather than using a uniform design throughout. This local optimization reduces overall volume while managing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition dimensions and positions are carefully controlled within specific parameter ranges to achieve minimal space occupation. By optimizing parameters such as partition thickness, length, and spacing, the design achieves compact volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through defined tolerance ranges.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces strain on the superconducting material, maintaining its ability to carry current and enhance structural integrity while minimizing space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pancakes being adjacent to either one or two of the cooling plates for removing heat from the pancake via thermal conduction to the cooling apparatus
Implementation Method 2
Superconductors are materials that have no electrical resistance to current (are 'superconducting') below some critical temperature
Implementation Method 3
High-field superconducting magnets face structural integrity issues due to Lorentz forces, which can cause damage and reduce the ability of the superconducting material to carry current
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for lowering strains applied to superconducting material in a superconducting magnet by arranging structural partitions between turns of the superconducting material that intercept and transfer strain to a mechanically stronger structure, such as the housing of the magnet. A structural partition may be formed with a feedthrough slit so that the superconducting material can easily pass through the partition. A number of structural partitions may be interspersed between groups of turns of superconducting material in a magnet so that forces can be sufficiently distributed by the partitions throughout the magnet. At the same time, the number of structural partitions may be selected to minimize the amount of space within the magnet occupied by the partitions that could otherwise be occupied by current-carrying superconducting material.