Cryogenic techniques for large superconducting magnets in space

Abstract

A large superconducting magnet is proposed for use in a particle astrophysics experiment, ASTROMAG, which is to be mounted on the US Space Station. This experiment will have a two-coil superconducting magnet with coils which are 1.3 to 1.7 m in diameter. The two-coil magnet will have zero net magnetic dipole moment. The field 15 m from the magnet will approach earth's field in low earth orbit. The issue of high T c 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 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: (1) operation with a third shield cooled to 90 K with a sterling cycle cryocooler and (2) a hybrid cryogenic system where there are three hydrogen-cooled shields and cryostat support heat intercept points. Both methods will extend the ASTROMAG cryogenic operating life from 2 years to almost 4 years.