Modeling of a superconducting maglev in the Meissner state

Highlights: • Modeling of the dynamics of a superconducting maglev using only one fitting parameter. • Experiments realized in a homemade maglev to verify the reliability of the model. • Theoretical predictions on the dynamics of a superconducting maglev. -- Abstract: We built a small maglev by forming a closed track with permanent magnets and studied the motion of a superconductor levitating above the track. Dynamics of the superconducting specimen in both vertical and horizontal directions is studied theoretically by means of a model that describes the interaction between a superconducting sample in the Meissner state and an applied field. It was assumed that it is possible to take into account the demagnetizing field by using a single average parameter. The calculations agree nicely with the measured variables.