Characterization of superconducting magnetic bearings (dynamic stiffness and damping coefficient in axial direction)

High T(sub c) superconductor as a stator and permanent magnets for a rotor were assembled into a superconducting magnetic bearing. The dynamic stiffness and the damping coefficient of the superconducting magnetic bearing in axial direction were measured. The dynamic stiffness depended on an axial gap between superconductor and permanent magnet. The superconducting magnetic bearings are advantageous for a passive bearing, because they have a vibration damping effect that a permanent magnet bearing does not have. The tendency of its vibration damping coefficient indicated an increase as the resonant frequency increased.