NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Cryogenic techniques for large superconducting magnets in spaceA large superconducting magnet is proposed for use in a particle astrophysics experiment, ASTROMAG, which is to be mounted on the United States Space Station. This experiment will have a two-coil superconducting magnet with coils which are 1.3 to 1.7 meters in diameter. The two-coil magnet will have zero net magnetic dipole moment. The field 15 meters from the magnet will approach earth's field in low earth orbit. The issue of high Tc superconductor will be discussed in the paper. The reasons for using conventional niobium-titanium superconductor cooled with superfluid helium will be presented. Since the purpose of the magnet is to do particle astrophysics, the superconducting coils must be located close to the charged particle detectors. The trade off between the particle physics possible and the cryogenic insulation around the coils is discussed. As a result, the ASTROMAG magnet coils will be operated outside of the superfluid helium storage tank. The fountain effect pumping system which will be used to cool the coil is described in the report. Two methods for extending the operating life of the superfluid helium dewar are discussed. These include: operation with a third shield cooled to 90 K with a sterling cycle cryocooler, and a hybrid cryogenic system where there are three hydrogen-cooled shields and cryostat support heat intercept points.
Document ID
19910043904
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Green, M. A.
(California, University Berkeley, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Cryogenics
Volume: 29
ISSN: 0011-2275
Subject Category
Engineering (General)
Accession Number
91A28527
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AC03-76SF-00098
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available