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The role of superconductivity in magnetic bearings for high-load applicationsSlewing of large payloads will require control torque and angular momentum storage capacities that are large in comparison to the capabilities of available control moment gyros (CMG's). SatCon Technology Corporation is currently designing a CMG which may be employed as a slew actuator for large spacecraft or other payloads. The slew actuator employs a type of magnetic bearing which may be used in high load applications. The magnetic bearing is also used to fully gimbal the suspended rotor of the slew actuator. The use of magnetic bearings in angular momentum exchange actuators has the primary advantage that physical contact between the rotor and stator is eliminated. This leads to greatly extended life, increased reliability, and reduced vibrations. Several actuators operating on magnetic bearings have been demonstrated in previous research efforts. These were sized for use in small satellites. For conventional magnetic bearings, which employ magnetic cores, high torsional loading may require that the magnetic structure be excessively massive. An alternative magnetic bearing design which employs a superconducting coil and eliminates conventional magnetic structures is discussed. The baseline approach is to replace the field coil of a conventional magnetic bearing with the superconducting coil.
Document ID
19930018387
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Downer, James (SatCon Technology Corp. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Eisenhaure, David (SatCon Technology Corp. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Langley Research Center, Magnetic Suspension Technology Workshop
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Accession Number
93N27576
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle19930018365Collected WorksMagnetic Suspension Technology Workshop
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