J. Ph_vs.

III

Franc-e

(1994)

581-593

APRIL

1994,

PAGE

581

Classification

Physic-s
85.25J

Abstiacts 84.60L

Magnetic
P. Tixador

levitation

and

MHD

propulsion

CNRS/CRTBT-LEG,
(Receii,ed
15

B-P-

166.

38042

Grenoble

Cedex

9,

France

July

1993,

revised

J5

Noi'embei

1993,

accepted

?2

Noiember

1993)

Depuis quelques anndes assistons h un reddmarrage de la concernant nous programmes la propulsion supraconductrices. Diffdrents systkmes supraconducteuo de ldvitation et de propulsion ddcrits examinant particulibrement plus l'aspect dlectromagndtique. seront en Quelques h le monde abordds. Les train~ h sustentation magndtique travers seront programme~ pourraient constituer mode de h vites~e dlevde (500 km/h) pour le transport terrestre un nouveau 21e sidde. Les japonais n'ont cessd de s intdresser h ce systdme bobine supraconductrice. Its avec prdindustriel envisagent stade la construction d'une ligne de 43km. En 1991 un avec un amdricain durde de six an~ a dtd lancd dvaluer )es performances des programme pour une pour systdmes h ldvitation Unis. Etats La MHD jmagndto-Hydro-Dynamique) transport pour le aux prdsente des intdressants navale regain d'intdrdt apparait h la propulsion avantages et pour un l'heure actuelle. situe 16 actuels Le japon h la pointe des d6veloppements se encore avec en particulier )es premiers essais en rade de Kobe de Yamato I, navire de 260 tonnes, entraind par
Rdsumd.

ldvitation

et

MHD.
Abstract.

countries.
on,

be 21st
out

levitation propulsion are attention in and MHD attracting several now superconducting MagLev and MHD systems will be described concentrating above all, the electromagnetic Some occurring throughout the world will aspect. programmes described. levitated trains high speed transportation system for the Magnetic could be the new been carried studie~ involving MagLev trains using superconductivity have Intensive century. since 1970. The construction of a 43 km long track is to be the next step. In 1991 a six in Japan

Magnetic

Different

year

programme

was

launched

in

the

United

States

to

evaluate

the

performances
some

of

MagLev
advan-

tran,portation. The MHD stealth characteristics, tages (efficiency, paid towards it nowadays. Japan is also propulsed ship.
systems
for

(MagnetoHydroDynamic)
...)
up for
at

offers
and
tests

interesting
attention is
ton

naval the

propulsion
with the

increasing
of Yamato

being
MHD

top

I,

260

1.

Magnetic

levitated

trains.

I.I France
low

INTRODUCTION.
due
to

The successful for

interest French intermediate

in

magnetic
for

levitated trains.
rather

trains

is

difficult
are

the aircraft

tradition

MagLev
than

vehicles trains.

flying

distances

Two

appreciate in compared to problems become

to

often

582

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE

III

(trolley arm and transmission railway trains important at high speeds for classical energy guidance and (supporting, mechanical rail and wheel between wire) and the stresses, contact TGV has run speed 400 km/h if the commercial wear). These problems limit the to even upper offering a suppressing vehicles these problems 1990. MagLev 515.3 km/h, 18. May two at are
new

way

forward
or

for

transportation,
to

speeds higher at high speeds

low

equal
the

since
tubes this in

pressure concerned by
The interest

would article.

they have problem aerodynamic drag power this propulsion decrease

but

500

km/h.

The

to prove their capacity to transport people at in all for the propulsion remains cases power

increases

as

the

cube

of the

speed.

The
out

use

of
area

power,

but

this

future

aspect is

the

MagLev,
of
at

in

addition
wear,

noise
become 1.2

level,

absence

track

dominating

high speeds
The

possibility for travel at high speds, is its lower aerodynamic noises Nevertheless, quality. the compared to rolling noises (typically above 300 km/h [1]).
to

its

and

ride

OPERATING
was

PRINCIPLE.

idea
a

to

use

an

a-c-

excited
in

coil

for but

the the

levitation

and

propulsion
studies

first

discovered

by

French

inventor,

Bachelet,

1914,

first

only began in the sixties, particularly in the United States (at MIT) which important and Japanese kept on seventies. Only the Germans in the programmes up to now, magnetic levitation again in 1990. The while the United started their States programmes up electromagnetic or electrodynamic. may be attraction electromagnets between controlled The electromagnetic the system is based on conventional and a magnetic track. The gap is small (10 to 15 mm) with magnets and has to be working on this system actively with German researchers controlled very high reliability. are further superconductivity is involved, (development of Transrapid vehicles) but as no no details will be given. The electrodynamic system is based on the repulsion between electromagnets on board anti

important stopped them

conducting sheets or called magnetic drag

magnetic
certain

short
and

circuited brakes the

coils

on

the

track.
are

The

vehicle.
but this

Sheets
natural may

less

drag. No control is required, 70km/h. speed, roughly The superconducting used. magnets are
Once in

clearance be

be

dissipated in the track is complex but coils redube the above levitation is only possible a large (100, 150 mm) if powerful
power These

levitation,

the
or

vehicle
in

has

to

guided
is

and

propelled.

functions

may

be

accomplished separately For the electrodynamic

on

combination.

system,
different
may
to

guidance
the

board
track.

(identical
The
current
more

or

magnet
for

the No
it is

guidance
is
in
same

be

assumed

performed by the interaction between levitation) and coils or conductive example by zero flux coils as shown
for when the and vehicle is at the
create

magnet
sheets
on

in
as

figure
soon

I.
as

eddy
no

induced
coils

(no magnetic drag)

currents
are

centre,

but

this

position,
may be

induced

they
The

forces.

The

used

for

propulsion

[2].

vehicle

righting electromagnetic is propelled in both cases

Field

by

on

created board

magnets

,,'
'

~
Fig.
I.

Supply (combined propulsion)

Zero

flux

coil

for

guidance.

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

583

Asynchronous electrical electrodynamic systems) by a linear motor. materials with a without magnetic and electrodynamic for systems not are electrodynamic for the solution large gap (low efficiency and power factor). The best multiphase winding on board. The field with the synchronous linear motor system is the whose frequency supplied by track windings the converter armature a power on are 2 fL~, L~ ~f j is matched to the speed (V of the vehicle (V magnet pole pitch). With this supply is thus solvid. minimal and the problem of energy board is active track the on power for propulsion is The board indeed theoretically (short circuited superconducting power on zero magnets). It is reduced practically to just the thermal losses of the cryostat. The power on board for the refrigerator, lighting and air-conditioning may be electromagnetically helium supplied without through the track coils for the levitation and special coils on board using contact harmonic fields [3]. At low speeds batteries supply the power. In all superconducting coils for instance the second operate in persistent mode, cases see
(electromagnetic
solutions
and

suited

part
1.3

of

the

paper.
PROGRAM.

JAPANESE

The

Japanese
2
to

started 20
tons

their

MagLev
tested
a

manufactured studies
have

eight
always
ML

vehicles involved vehicle is

from
the

(Tab. Ii
system
world

programme on a 7 km of 517

in

1970,
coil

and

have Their
board

electrodynamic
due
to

[4].
board

Their

soo

famous

its

using speed

long superconducting
km/h

track.
on

record

in

1979.

On

refrigerators appeared in 1979. The inverted T guideway has been left, in favour of the U-shaped configuration (Fig. 2). The vehicles MLUoo2 (Tab. II) and present oo2N close to a commercial version, with a length of 22 m and a weight greater than MLU are oo2N has replaced oo2 which destroyed by a fire, in 1991, due to the 17 tons. MLU MLU was
helium

puncture
In

of

tyre.
construction
in
a

1989

the

of

new

test

track

was

intended
an

to

deterrnine commercial

the

real

capacities
This

of

MagLev
now a

systems

design,
would
the

closely
form
are

ressembling
part of
numerous a

eventual
link have

design.
and Osaka.
area

track,
avoid

under mountainous

construction,
area

future
and

between
a

Tokyo

Crossing
to

tunnels

large

cross-section

problems (aspect ratio of train to tunnel about o. I ). On board the three functions of levitation, guidance and propulsion are accomplished by a single superconducting guidance are assumed by 8 shaped coils (Fig. 3). This On the track, levitation and magnet. magnetic drag at low speeds when the vehicle is supported by the the geometry suppresses superconducting winding axis. At higher coils is on the wheels : the of the 8 shaped centre induce retracted and the 8 shaped coils speeds, when the levitation is achieved, the wheels are magnetic spring is and the magnetic drag low guidance forces. The large levitation and windings are distributed is rigid. The three phase coefficient in the vertical direction armature
pressure
Table I.

aerodynamic

MagLei,
Year

test

vehicles
Name

deieloped

in

Japan.

1972

LSM 200
ML

4 7

m m

2 tons 3.5
tons

asynchronous

motor

100

1975

ML

100A

m m m
m m

3.6

tons

1977
1979

ML 500
ML 500R MLU

13.5
12.6 10
22 22

10 tons 12.7 10
17
tons tons tons

World

record 517

kndh

1980 1987 1993

ml 002

MLU MLU

002N

20 tons

584

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE

III

'-i

Fig.

2.

MLU

vehicle

on

the

track.

This overlapping reduces the electromagnetic superconducting coils which better that way a-care thyristor inverters protected from quench. The power is supplied by two substations with GTO used for the leading to a possible increase of the frequency compared to the cycloconverters previous test track. The enhancement of the frequency reduces the magnet pole pitch. The between the trains articulated with the bogies superconducting coils would be supporting the magnetic shielding This configuration the magnetic field for the but reduces passengers, a cars. dimensions of the should be 20 m long (28 m for end should be perhaps provided. The cars capacity of 64. Each bogie carries cars) ?.9 m wide and 3.3 m high, with a two passenger superconducting magnets in both its cold box and cryogenic fluid tanks (Fig. 4), two helium landing gear and the retractable system for support and guidance, and emergency compressors~ widely used for materials alloys and carbon fibre composite damping systems. Aluminium are lightness.
on

two

overlapping
and

layers
the

in the

side

wall

track.

variations

also

losses

in

the

1.4

AMERICAN

PROGRAM

[6].
levitation

In

1990

the

NMI

(National
States.

MagLev
Additional

Initiative)

was

created

to

evaluate 1991

the
the

impact
ISTEA

of

trains

in the

United

impetus

was

supplied
established 7?5
a

in
a

by

(Intermodal
Levitation
programme,

National
programme.

Magnetic
This

Transportation Efficiency Act) which Surface Prototype Development Programrrie , a six year $ incorporate would committee, directed by a federal

million track
not

N 4

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

585

Table

II.

Characteristics

of

MLV

002

vehicle.

Dimensions

22

3
17

3,7 m3
tons
mm

l10 Maximum

speed
2 1.7
x

420

km/h
44

Seafing capacity
SC magnet
x

poles kg
track
kAt
m :

dimension, weight
type

0.5 m2~ 77
race

magnetomotive
pole pitch
Matefial
max.

force

700
2. I

NbTi, I

1.06

field

5.I T (550 kJ)

Propulsion
Max force

Synchronous
79.4 0-28
current

motor

kN
Hz

Frequency
Voltage,

5.8 kV,

900 A

~ee~jj~se
~

ili~
~~~#~~
guidance)

~~~~~
and

~~~~~~~~~

(ievitation

guidance)
Three

phase

armature

SC magnet

~
Vehiqle
i~~~e~~
phase 2

Fig.

3.

Schematic

structure

of

the

Japanese

MagLev

train.

existing mode of interface with switch and than 19 mile long with a guideway an an accelerations transportation. Among the specifications required are speeds up to 135 m/s, high (0.16 g's), climb grades of 35 %a at full speed and 100 %v at reduced speed and short radii of considered should be completed and from the NMI (400 m). A complete report curvature has planned administration More recently the Clinton before the launching of this programme. Maglev . for High Speed rail and funds
less

586

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE

III

Reffigerator
LHe

tank

Power lead

LNz tank
Service Outer
port

Support
SC shield

Superinsulator
Persistent
current

switch

Vacuum

Fig.

4.

Cryogenic

system

(magnet,

cryostat

and

refrigerator)

of

the

Japanese

train

[5].

Germans which involved Japaneses and to are Americans already defined their basic solutions, clean slate provides innovative ideas opportunities for They consider basic studies about subjects such concepts. propulsion, conditioning technologies, and power power safety, environmental effects..
and have Four
contracts
were

Contrary

in have

programmes
no

since

many

years

preferential design. This and development of new MagLev magnetic suspension, guidance as transferring and control, costs,

studies of new MagLev concepts. The four Magnetplane International and Foster-Miller team different projects, but they all involve using superconducting windings and a team) have rather linear synchronous for propulsion. motor The Bechtel superconducting magnets distributed in the vehicle interacting group proposes with a ladder track for suspension and guidance. The Grumman is the only involved in the electromagnetic levitation with a team group design close to the German TR07. Nevertheless the actively controlled iron-pole magnets on the vehicle superconducting providing thus a 50 mm air gap (around 10 mm for TR07). are The works idea developed in the seventies by MIT [7]. The track magnet plane team on an

issued

in

1991

for

definition

teams

(Bechtel

team,

Grumman

team,

consists which

in

continuous

sheet

bended

into

semi

circular

arc

surrounded

the

vehicle

bottom
a

contains

ride for

quality
foster

superconducting due to the possible

Miller
and group

The

is

levitation

propulsion
motor

linear synchronous high speed power

is

electronics

high banking of the vehicle. involved in the electrodynamic system using coils in the guideway and discrete superconducting The supply of the magnets on board. original in that it occurs only in the vicinity of the vehicle using switches which improve the motor efficiency.
distributed This

pancake

windings.

geometry

provides

self

2.
2.I

MHD

sea-water

propulsion.
The first the
MHD

INTRODUCTION.

studies for

were

carried

out

in

the

United

States,

during

the

sixties.

As

shown

farther,

need

(several m~) for the MHD propulsion to be development. The present development consider practically this technology, and to The MHD propulsion offers potential progress.
its

high magnetic inductions (~ 5 T) in large volumes interesting, from an efficiency point of view slowed level of superconducting winding makes it possible
numerous

programs

advantages

such

as

throughout the high efficiency

world and

are

in

speeds,

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

~87

an

enhanced

maneuverability
stealth.
The

increased

latter
as

undetectable
2.2
PRINCIPLE.

submarine
The

survivability, a better payload flexibility but above all and explains the military interest in the possibility of building Red October suggested in the Tom Clancy novel .

an

an

MHD

propulsion

may

be

inductive

(a.c.

MHD)

or

conductive

(d.c.

MHD)
Table

(Tab. III).
III.

Coniparison

betw.een

a-c-

and

d-c-

MHD

thrusters.

MHD
Itlductor ~~~~~ low
~
no

d.c.

MHD

a.c.

in

mode
no

d.c.

better

lower

Cryogeny
Problems

very

low

losses in

persistent
electrolyse

a.c.

losses

for

superconductors
current
a.c.

mode

need for

leads

electrodes~

sea

water

superconducting
reactive

winding,

be

The

a-c-

MHD
a sea

operates

as

linear

asynchronous
field
wave

board,
of
the

create

travelling
water

magnetic
their the
currents.

in the

conductive

and
to

interaction

with
the

ship multiphase
electrodes
in

is

linked
the

speed
In

of its

field related

Multiphase windings, on naturally induced in the water. are magnetic field propels the ship. The speed itself proportional to the frequency of the
electrical
motor.

Currents

excitation

principle,
the

a-c-

MHD

is

attractive

as

it

does

not

use

problems. Nevertheless the advantages stop sea there. A-cMHD multiphase superconducting windings needs supplied variable with frequency windings These have still reached sufficient of degree currents. not yet a The of advancement. absence in a superconducting winding is only true if the total losses is direct it The eighties of and the field around have the current constant. seen emergence remain in difficulties still superconducting with very low a-c. (50 Hz) losses [8]~ but strands Frequencies, for MHD propulsion, capacity (several kA) cables. particular, for high current superconducting windings. but the would be low (a few Hz) and would reduce the stresses on bulkiness losses, though low, significantly penalise the cryogenics in particular the weight and helium refrigerator. of the Moreover the would be very high (in the order of reactive power 109 Var for submarines) would difficulties and and lead to additional problems. The d-cMHD is based interaction between the magnetic induction, created by a d.c. on a electromagnet on board, and d.c. current, perpendicular to the field, imposed by a voltage difference between electrodes in the conductive An opposing electromotive two water. sea forces linked to the ship's displacement. The variation of the magnetic current appears or of the induction but basically only the force is controlled the current may adjust the propulsion as superconducting operating in persistent mode. magnets are
water

and

solves

The

electrodes
for

in

the

sea

water

have service
and

to

fulfil
and
at

several
a

electrical,
reasonable which
are

mechanical
cost.

and
a

chemical

requirements electrolysis
stealth.
out

long
sea

operating
water
occurs

Moreover,
for
have

partial
of
carried

of the
ideal

produces
has
not

bubbles

undesirable
studies

reasons

The

material

for
or

electrodes

yet

been

found,

but

been

for

carbon,

noble

metals

compounds

like

TiRu02,

TiIr02..

588

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE

III

N 4

The
electrical stored in
case

power

is

supplied
level
is

from

Diesel
tens

engines,
in

gas

turbines submarines.

or

small

nuclear

reactor.

The

power some in the superconducting of failure

a-c-

MW

present

The
as
an

huge
emergency

magnetic
power

energy

magnet

of

the

main the d-cone

(several GJ) system [9].

MHD the may be interests
on
a

could

serve

supply
in the

As
a

for the

MHD,
as

extemal
this

(Fig. 5)
system
be MHD

or

internal
its

duct).
acoustical essential

Nevertheless

of
be

is

(flow channelled potential for stealth,

signature
characteristic

must

not

substituted
excitation

by

magnetic
would

for

the the

magnet
with is better

signature which is its leakage field

channels
The
are,

An easy to detect. which has to be as

low
most

as

possible.
studied
obtained is is

Currently
systems,
as as

systems
induction

intemal

for

this

reason,

the

the

confined.

naturally

active
a

(coils)
systems
the

or

passive
under

(magnetic
From
are

weight which configuration

annular MHD

already
ideal and

sensitive
hull

parameter.

the

channel

around

study now delimited by the

magnetic stealth be must materials) shielding increases the this point of view toroidal the close to this configuration with an
parts
of
the

active

magnet

and

by

the

electrodes

(Fig. 6).

Elecuode

~~~
Elecuical field flux disuibufion

Magnefic
flux

field

disbibufion

Fig.

5.

Ship

propelled

by

d-c-

MHD

(external

system).

MHD

Thruster

Magnefic field

dis~~~fion
Elecbical

~,
,

' i

"

~j~~t~~d~
+,
'

#$~~~n
Fig.
6. Annular MHD

?"~,(,',,

'

'~
~~~~~ ~~~~

thruster

for

submarine.

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

589

the

Considering efficiency

thrust

is

proportional given by

to

the

square

of the

speed,

an

approximate

expression

for

~2
~
"

~2
B:
"

"PV
~

~MHD
water

magnetic
magnetic

induction,
force

v:

speed,

p:

sea

resistivity,

d~~~.

MHD

volume,

square of the This expression

water.

speed
does
the
water not

take

into
for

account
a more

the

losses

linked

to to
a

the

partial
extent

electrolysis
due
to

of the

sea

It

shows
sea

requirement
decreases overall

high
than
the

induction

level

great
to
an

resistivity
the
water.

of
The

(0.25 Qm, 105

with

Cu)
reach

which the

leads
As

efficiency
the

speed of

ship.

of a speed respectively about consider

helium would
II

10 m/s, of 10 T
The

and 7 T

efficiency but only 18

advances
in 6-7

could

60 %
For

and

50

high important ohmic losses in example of magnitude for % for magnetic inductions
the

b for 2 T.

comparison
d-c4.5

conventional
make

efficiency
it

is

40b.

present
induction
like
for field
the

superconducting
T with NbTi tokamak
at

magnets
up
to

useful
at

levels

of

K,

8-9 T

with
The
use

possible to NbTi using

of

2 K

superconducting
9-10T
at

Tore

Supra

[10].

Nbisn

Compounds with transition metals like Nb3Sn, Nb3Al, Nb3Ge (A15 compounds) have a higher margin compared to NbTi and temperature materials, taking into requirements for the magnet (vibrations, the may be interesting account impacts) but their technical development is not so advanced except for Nb3Sn and their use is difficult than NbTi. with The induction level is not the only This more parameter to consider. induction level and the volume magnetized lead to huge of magnetic to be amounts energy of the order of one tenth of a 10~ J for submarines, and then to huge mechanical The stresses. mechanical has to be strong to resists to these forces very rigidly. As a matter of fact structure the displacement, micrometric, of a superconducting strand in a magnetic field may lead even quench which has to be absolutely avoided. For especially for embarked materials, to its military uses, these enhanced by the need to fulfil impacts. Moreover this stresses structure are be light and neutral buoyancy. The realization of lighweight high field must must assume a would be one of the challenges for MHD technology. The prejent techniques using magnets steels heavy in the intemational project on nuclear fusion ITER toroidal the coils too are would have a weight of 10 000 tons including 770 tons of superconducting materials structure without the cryostat but vessels (6 T on the toroidal axis, 13 T peak on the superconductor and magnetic energy of 106 GJ). The theoretical limits high. The virial nevertheless theorem a are links the magnetic the of coil by the expression [I1] to structure energy mass
increase the 4.5 K. ~
~~~

W~
P

~~

_~
~

in tension, density, M~: magnetic allowable mass stress, p: energy, ~. in compression. M~ mass limit of the magnetic Assuming a structure is only in tension, the theoretical energy by mass materials. Graphite structural unity is given by the specific of the ~/p epoxy energy steels : 150 kJ/kg compared to 30 kJ/kg. composites offer much higher values than classical of of the order superconducting have a specific comparison, For magnets present energy achievable in a near future [I I]. 10 kJ/kg. A value of 50 kJ/kg may be referential, induction, in the ship As for MagLev vehicles, the magnetic constant may be that is to say, short operating in persistent mode created by superconducting magnets after coils. After the magnet has been energized by a current and circuited from a power source shorted out with a superconducting link, the power supply may the magnet terrninals have been

W~~~.

590

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE

III

be
the

suppressed
current

and

the losses

current

leads

may

be

removed.
the total

lead

power land.

of the

helium

part of are a major refrigerator on board

The persistent mode is very interesting cryogenic losses. In these conditions,

very

as

the
on

may

be

low

if the

cool

down

is

carried

out

2.3

[12]. Ocean Foundation undertook In 1985 the Ship and research propelled by MHD. This project gathered together officials and people from universities and industry. It included manufacturing of a complete experimental ship the called Yamato I. This ship of significant scale completed in 1991 and is under tests at sea was This, the first big ship with propulsion, is a surface MHD ship whose main now. characteristics gathered in is table IV. Yamato I propelled by electromagnetic thrusters two are located in two bulges in the hull under the ship (Fig. 7). Each thruster is composed of six superconducting dipoles with a bore of 360 mm (MHD 240 channel mm) in a single ~b fed by an on-board helium refrigerator. The dipoles are arranged to minimize the cryostat outside leakage of the magnetic field the thruster. The have been performed with tests an induction of 2 T, with a maximum value of 3 T. The after 20 min of latter led to a quench operation. The experimental data agree with the theoretical calculations. The perforrnances of Yamatol low, but we have that it is the first to note are very experimental ship with MHD thrusters. The objectives and the to were prove its feasibility difficult, high technology project. More so than in Japanese capacity to develop a complete, the Case Of the MagLev vehicles, Yamato I is an operation carried for of prestige. out reasons
PROGRAM civilian
IN

JAPAN

about

ships

Table

IV.

Some

characteristics

of ships

propelled by

MHD

thrusters

(the

sabmai"ine

is

theoretical

study).
Demonstration Yamato I
tons

Ship type weight

dimensions(m)

Nuclear

submarine
tons

280

10 000
L=

L=30-1=10-h=3.5

I10m-#=I2m

Thruster

number

and type

6 cylindrical 3
5.4
m
m

anttular

active
total

length
bore
2

15
17

m
m m

length
#
x
=

channel

240

mm
x

(2

6)

1.5 1060
en

29

18

tons

coil

saddle field field

energy 2
x

shape (dipole)
4 T

(tortls)

useful
max.

6 T 9 T
13.5 GJ

6. 5 T 18.6 MG NbTi Rutherford

He 4.2K

storaged
supra.

NbTi 180

A/mm2

conductor

Cable in conduct 80 kA
He K

4.2K
warrr

II W

14A

180 kW

I I tons

4 m/s

15 m/s

<2ib

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

591

'f'-

'-

-.~j,Y[$
''$-

'4

<I

.0$'-'~
"~

j',

i~/,' I'll f "-'.~]j

~~-'&

_'
n

j~~,
2

i~

Fig.

7.

Yamato

I,

MHD

ship

(Height

3.5

m,

Width

lo

m,

Length

30 m).

2.4

PROGRAMS
States

IN

THE

UNITED

STATES.
but

The
later

first

studies

of

MHD

were

carried

out

in

the

interrupted. Since then naval research into were propulsion has the concerned classical propulsion, but using superconducting (in motors particular the experimental ship Jupiter II with a homopolar superconducting of motor 2.2MW). Programs about MHD re-continued the end of the eighties. They at were are financed by DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Project Agency) and the Naval Research Technology Office. should theoretical knowledge of MHD These provide a better programs phenomena and some tests on the key points. The experimental tests use the flow loops at the NUWC in New Port, or at Argonne National Laboratory with a large Superconducting magnet. The description of a MHD project [9] (Tab. IV) enables the definition of some of submarine the major points.
United
in

the

sixties,

2.5

PROGRAM

IN

C.E.1.
are

[13].

The
in
a

Russian
a

are

certainly
of
channel

involved d-cMHD
inside.

in

themselves.

They

studying
with

particular
screw

solution of the
duct

with
The

important programmes special geometry a

advantages
but
the

using a solenoid configuration are

Joule

magnet

MHD

of

this

losses
two

are

by
2.6

concentric
IN

simplicity and the light weight heightened compared to classical solenoids for active magnetic
FRANCE called

magnet
channels. with in

system,
The
two

real
screw

hydraulic and system is composed

channels.
A
centre

shielding
interested created

PROGRAM

[14].
PAMIR

France

is been

MHD

studies.

for

applications of MHD laboratory (LEGIfIMG)

between throught co-operation a C.E.A (Commissariat h l'dnergie Atomique, CEN Cadarache) and the industrials development of (Framatome and DT21). The objective of PAMIR is the two industrial has been applications of MHD, but not, for instance, of propulsion. A program issued Techniques de la Ddldgation by the DRET (Direction des Recherches Etudes et Grenoble Gdndrale l'Armement), laboratories in involving Industrie four Jeumont and pour (LEGI-IMG, Madylam, CREMGP and LEG). This will attempt to carry out general program studies fluid the mechanics (flow in MHD duct, evaluation of drag systems aspects on
has

592

JOURNAL

DE

PHYSIQUE
between
of

III

force~

.),
into

numerical
account

modelling
the
non

with

coupling
distribution

fluid

mechanics

and

electromagnetism,
aspects

taking

uniform

majnetic

properties, electrodes, phenomena modelling, magnets (configuration and shape, magnetic signature and its reduction, magnetic shielding), overall performance prediction. An experimental is carried especially for electrochemiout programme corrosion of electrodes, laboratory close loop (electrolysis, stry studies using a seawater gas production~ ).
(seawater
3.

fields, electrochemical ), superconducting

Refrigeration

on

board.

Either superconducting low solutions the There magnets at temperature. to keep two a are fillings, or between sufficiently large amount of liquid helium may be stored on the vehicle two first solution, of losses. The refrigerator on board may provide the cryogenic helium a provides a high efficiency, large capacity liquefaction in weight for the vehicle, minimum transferts constraints and the and brings large plants, but requires skilled to out persons carry operational complexity. It cannot be applied to MHD ships. If the cool down is made by a landMHD refrigerator required for the superconducting borne large capacity system, the helium for submarines (for example from Tab. [Vi the power does magnet not pose any problems leads). lack of it, of hundreds of watt (depending on the presence, current to amounts or some respectively, roughly 5 10 weight and volume corresponds whose It tons to to a system are, (10 000 tons and 12 000 m~). 10-15 m3 ; low figures compared to those for the~ submarine and requires the flexible, but this refrigerators for MagLev vehicles much On board are more refrigerators with low weight and bulkiness, developement of small unit helium very high developed for sensitive vibrations. Such have been reliability and which are less to systems and for example~ detectors) satellites but for very small (lower than I W cool, not to are power developed such a vehicle researchers always suitable for a levitated (power too low). Japanese helium refrigerator [15] in 1979 and have since obtained interesting performances. some

Conclusion

and

perspectives.
and MHD
are

MagLev
systems get good

vehicles may be

two

possible

applications
but

of

designed

with

conventional

magnets

several

MagLev without superconductivity. Japanese MagLev reached an advanced degree of demonstration. Superconducting MagLev system is feasible from technical point of view but its challenge is to prove its economical interest compared to high speed trains except if speeds higher than 400 km/h are absolutely required. For MHD there is no altemative superconductivity as large volumes be magnetized to must high fields suitable performances. The studies have often at stayed at the stage of to get theoretical designs whereas the first MHD ship of significant size, Yamato, shows very low performances. Nevertheless MHD propulsion offers an innovative solution with significant benefits. The increased stealth is perhaps of the interesting improvements if the most one magnetic signature may be reduced to a very low level. A lot of research and development are still needed study and to solve the difficulties related MHD thrusters. One to to numerous technical bolt is the superconducting with light mechanical able magnet structure to a withstand electromagnetic forces and impacts. Superconductors with a high critical would greatly modify the of temperature not structure
the
the

superconductivity. people think that trains have already

MagLev
you
cannot

magnets

or
a

of the

cryostat
for

nevertheless

large gain

nitrogen refrigerator advantage of the Another

of for a few simplifications. They will bring course, refrigerator the weight and the volume of at a given power, fifty divided roughly by compared helium refrigerator. to are a high T~ materials for moving systems is their much higher stability

except,

the

MAGNETIC

LEVITATION

AND

MHD

PROPULSION

593

margin,

as

well

as

lower

sensitivity

for of

ducting
stresses

oxides
will

offer
occur.

the

opportunities

impacts, vibrations and higher fields but limitations

a-c-

losses.

These

supercon-

due

to

the

electromagnetic

Acknowledgments.
This

study

has

been

made

within and for

the

framework
valuable

of

co-operation
I

between
to

the

DGA

(Ddldgation
Thibault,

Gdndrale
C.
H.

pour Kom et

l'Arrnement)
Y. Brunet

Jeumont

Industrie.

would

like

thank

MM.

J. P.

their

discussions.

References

[Ii [2]

Moreau

A.,

Le

contact

roue-rail,
N.,

Revue

gdndrale Proceedings

des

chemins

de for

Takahashi

T.,

Maki

Miyashita
vehicles

T.,
,

Combined

system
of the fifth

magnetically suspended ring Conference (1974)

[31 [4]
Shibata

(uillet-ao0t 1991) 43-51. propulsion and guidance of Cryogenic EngineeIntemational

fer
H.,
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78-81.

M.,

Maki
of
a

N.,

Saitoh

T.,

Kobayashi T.,
levitated

Sawano
IEEE

E.,
Trans.

Ohshima

On

board

system Fujie J.,

eleventh Tanaka l65.

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vehicke,

Magn.

(1992)

power 474-477.

supply
of the

Current

Magnet
Advanced

[5] [6]
[71

H.,

in the of MagLev transportation world , system Technology Conference, Tsukuba-Japan (1989) 9-17. for Magnetically Trains, Q. Rep. Materials Levitated

Proceedings
RTRI
33

(1992)

160-

Coffey H. T., U-S- MagLev : (1993) 863-868. Y., Hoenig M. O., Kolm Iwasa Magn. lo (1974) 402-405.
Dubots

status

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opportunities,
of
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IEEE

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Trans.

H.

H.,

Design

full

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magnetplane
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P.,

Fdvrier

A.,
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Renard fine

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C., Goyer J. C., Ky H. G.,

under
a-c-

conductors

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filaments

magnetic fields,
H.,

Phys.
V.,
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multifilamentary NbTi Fiance 45 (1984) 467Van Den

470.

[9]
[10]

Swallom Duchateau

D.

W.,
J.

Sadovnik
Bessette

I., D.,

Gibbs

J.

S.,
D.~
field
27

Gurol

Nguyen
Naval

L.

Bergh

H.

H.,

Magnetohydrodynamic
L.,
current,

submarine
toroidal

propulsion

Ciazinski

system, Pierre J.,

status

Eng.
a

(May

1991),

141-157.

RibandP.,
after
year

Turk of

controlling
nominal
I

TORE

SUPRA IEEE
M.

system

Monitoring and B., operating experience at

for
space

Trans.

Magn.
J.

(1991)
S. D.,

2053-2056.

II

Leung E.
IEEE

M.

W.,
Trans.

Hilal

A.,
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Parmer

F.,

Peck

Lightweight

magnet

applications,

Magn.
K.,

(1987)
Nakato

1331-1335.

[12]

Motora

[13]

[14] [15]

project on of the R&D outline S., An M., Takezawa propulsion in Japan , Proceedings of MHDS 91. their flows and MHD of electrolyte Mikhailova Bashkatov L. A., Investigation V. A., screw Seminar Sheva 7th Bur application in development of ship jet engines for on commerce , and (Febrtlary 93). MHD Flow Turbulence Proceedings MHD Thrusters Pilaud A., Some Thibault J. P., Alemany A., seawater aspects of ,
S.,
Imaichi

superconducting

MHD

ship

of

MHDS

91,
Herai

211-218.

Nakashima

H.,

MagLev'89

T., The cryogenic 235-239. (1989)

system

for

magnetic

levitation

vehicles

Proceedings

of