Design and Development of High-T _c Superconducting Train Model Using Bulk Nanocomposite GdBa₂Cu₃O _y

Abstract

The goal of this science fair project was to construct prototype high-T _c superconducting train model. The train would be propelled and would be levitated by a melt-processed GdBa₂Cu₃O _y “Gd-123” superconducting material over a magnetic rail (track). The oval-shaped track was constructed using 189 Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets which were arranged on the iron plate. In addition, the train bodies were constructed with FRP sheets to maintain the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K). Finally, the train bodies were attached to a small train toy. The stability, speed, and safety of the superconducting train were tested for various gaps (1–15 mm) between the train and the track. The experimental results indicated that trains with 1–2 mm gaps could not run properly due to the friction applied to the track. The trains with 10 or 15 mm gaps did not run stable on the track. Our results confirmed that a gap of 5 mm is the optimum to run the train which had stability to run fast on the track. The present results clearly demonstrate that the stability of the superconducting trains depends on the gap between the rail and train, which will be very useful for Maglev trains feasible.