The United States superconducting MHD magnet technology development program

Abstract

The United States Superconducting MHD Magnet Technology Development program is a three-faceted program supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These facets include basic technology development, technology transfer and construction by industry of magnets for the national MHD program. The technology development program includes the maintenance of a large component test facility; investigation of superconductor stability and structural behavior; measurements of materials' properties at low temperatures; structural design optimization; analytical code development; cryogenic systems and power supply design. The technology transfer program is designed to bring results of technology development and design and construction efforts to the entire superconducting magnet community. The magnet procurement program is responsible for developing conceptual designs of magnets needed for the national MHD program, for issuing requests for quotation, selecting vendors and supervising design, construction, installation and test of these systems. To date two magnets have been delivered, three are under construction and several designs for the MHD Engineering Test Facility are being developed and evaluated.