The Virial Theorem and Scaling Laws for Superconducting Magnet Systems.
Abstract
The structural masses of over thirty superconducting magnet designs are shown to exceed that required by the virial theorem by factors of from two to ten or more. Designs for MHD and toroidal field (TF) fusion magnets from many different magnet groups around the world obey a stored energy-mass scaling law of the form E = CM4/3. This scaling law appears to be valid over three to four orders of magnitude of stored magnetic energy. The 4/3 power law differs from the linear scaling derived from the virial theorem and appears to result from the thermal stability requirements of the super-conductor. However, the masses of large scale TF magnets are approaching the regime where the structural mass required by the virial theorem will place greater constraints on the design than the thermal stability. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111011
Entities
People
- Francis C. Moon
Organizations
- Cornell University