Application of superconductor technology to electromagnetic ship propulsion system

Abstract

The superconducting electromagnetic propulsion system has been proposed as one of new alternative propulsion systems. Especially, the helical-type propulsion system has the greatest merit that is able to use the solenoid-type superconducting magnets with high magnetic fields. In this study, calculations of characteristics of the large scale helical-type thruster are carried out on the basis of our experimental results. As a couple of results of calculations, it is found that the thruster efficiency quickly increases with the length of electrode up to about 5 m and then goes up to about 0.9. The thruster efficiency peaks at a certain point (~ 0.6 m) and then falls as length of pitch increases.