Calculation of a magnetic force acting on small superconducting celestial bodies

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Recent discoveries of superconducting phases in the samples of meteorites suggest the possibility of a natural occurrence of superconducting state in space. Superconductors are known to exhibit interesting behaviours when subjected to external magnetic fields, such as levitation. Similar force may act on a superconducting bit in space. The goal of this paper is to quantify this force and assess its effects. Several scenarios in which a superconducting bit can be produced and interact with a magnetic field in space are suggested. The force acting on a superconductor in different conditions is calculated with numerical simulations. The dependence on a magnetic flux density, its gradient, and the geometry and the properties of the superconductor are found. The empirical formulas are derived and used to calculate a magnetic force. The resultant force is extremely weak in all analysed scenarios. It is found that its strength decreases rapidly with the distance from the source of the magnetic flux. Its effect on trajectory of the superconductor is almost negligible. Some possibilities of increasing its strength and the effects are considered.</jats:p>