Superconducting magnet assembly

A superconducting magnet assembly suitable for use as a magnetohydrodynamic generator comprising:

• a. a channel defining a flow passage through which a high temperature, high pressure, ionized gas may be passed while immersed in a high strength magnetic field produced therein;
• b. a magnet substructure for producing the high strength magnetic field within said channel having a first magnetic pole disposed along one side of said channel and a second magnetic pole, opposite in polarity to the first magnetic pole, symmetrically disposed along the opposite side of said channel, the outer surfaces of the first and the second magnetic poles machined to conform to a pre-calculated catenary-shaped curve;
• c. a support superstructure for absorbing and equilibrating the repulsive magnetic forces generated within said magnet substructure when said magnet substructure is energized, the inner surface of said superstructure machined to conform to said pre-calculated catenary-shaped curve so as to mate with the outer surfaces of the first and second magnetic poles of said magnet substructure;
• and
• d. a pressure containment shell for enclosing therein said magnet substructure and said superstructure, said pressure containment shell having end openings for permitting said channel to penetrate therethrough.