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Processing of YBCO superconductors for improved levitation force

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10188808
One objective of the ANL superconductor program is to develop improved processing methods for production of YBCO superconductors with higher levitation forces suitable for low-friction, superconductor/permanent-magnet bearings and flywheel-energy-storage applications. From the standpoint of these applications, melt-processed bulk YBCO superconductors are of considerable interest. Levitation force and flux-pinning properties depend on microstructural features of the superconductors. We have added several chemical species to YBCO to alter the microstructure and have used a seeding technique to induce crystallization during melt processing. In this paper, we discuss the effects of various process parameters, additives, and a seeding technique on the properties of melt-processed bulk YBCO samples and compare the results with solid-state-sintered superconductors.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
10188808
Report Number(s):
ANL/ET/CP--78724; CONF-931103--4; ON: DE94001326
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English