Abstract: A method of thermal insulating a supercooled component of a superconducting apparatus is disclosed herein and includes a thermal radiation shield which is maintained at a reduced temperature relative to its ambient surroundings for more efficiently shielding its associated inner cooled component. The shield is cooled, preferably internally, by the direct application of a fluid refrigerant, specifically helium gas.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for an alternating current generator having a superconducting field winding. The rotor consists of a cylindrical outer member and a cylindrical inner member disposed coaxially inside the outer me mber. The inner rotor member carries a superconducting field winding and is cooled to maintain the winding temperature at superconducting temperatures during operation. The inner rotor member is rigidly attached at one end to the outer member and at the other end, which is the drive end, a connection is provided between the inner and outer members which has sufficient axial flexibility to allow large differential thermal expansion and contraction of the inner member, and which has sufficient torsional stiffness to transmit driving torque between the members. The flexible connection is preferably a laminated structure made up of thin slotted laminations having elements extending radially between the two rotor members and a driving connection to the inner member.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting pairs of concentric rotor elements in the rotor of a superconducting generator. Various combinations of flexible couplings, each of which is disposed normally to the rotor axis, are used at one or both ends of the superconducting rotor to connect the inner and outer rotors and to connect the inner rotor to a concentric insulating shield. The flexible coupling utilizes a relatively thin ring. When used to connect the inner rotor to the insulating shield the ring may be constructed of a material that retains flexibility at temperatures down to at least about 100.degree. K. The ring may be laminated to increase flexibility and may be made up of joined segmental portions. Securing devices are annularly distributed about the ring. The securing devices are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit deflections of the ring in an axial direction.