Flux Pinning Docking Interfaces in satellites using trapped field magnets
Résumé
We suggest the use of superconducting trapped field magnets (TF) for Flux-Pinning Docking Interfaces (FPDI) in satellite systems. Previous work introducing the FPDI concept to cube-sat satellites was using bulk high-Tc superconductors and permanent magnets of Nd-Fe-B. This arrangement was proven to work both experimentally and theoretically. However, such FPDIs have limited magnetic field strength, consist of heavy-weight material, and can only be used with a single purpose. Replacing the magnetic material in the FPDI by a TF-magnet would enable the interface to operate for both purposes, i.e., generating a (stronger) magnetic field and trapping it. We show the requirements for such a system and discuss the possible gains when using a TF-FPDI in satellites. A further possibility to reduce the system weight would be the use of superconducting foams as superconducting material.