Development of Pre-Preg Ceramic Insulation for Superconducting Magnets

Journal Article · Mon Jun 28 00:00:00 EDT 2004 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1774577· OSTI ID:20653217

Codell, D E; Fabian, P E ^[1]

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1. Composite Technology Development, Inc., Lafayette, Colorado, 80026 (United States)

A new pre-impregnated (pre-preg) ceramic-based electrical insulation system capable of surviving high superconductor reaction temperatures has been developed for use in superconducting magnets. The use of Nb3Sn superconductors holds great promise for increased magnet performance for high energy physics, fusion, and other applications. A robust, cost-effective manufacturing process is critical to the successful implementation of these coils. Due to its embrittlement after the high temperature reaction cycle, Nb3Sn cable is usually insulated and wound into the coil prior to heat treatment. An earlier ceramic-based insulation system, applied using wet-winding or vacuum impregnation, has been successfully used in the 'wind and react' fabrication process. Use of the new pre-preg system will further simplify the manufacturing process while improving control over the insulation properties. Pre-preg insulation offers several advantages including improved dimensional control of the insulation, controllable and uniform fiber to matrix ratio, and certainty that the insulation does not infiltrate the superconductor. This paper describes the pre-preg development process, processing properties, as well as insulation performance data at cryogenic temperatures.

• OSTI ID: 20653217
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 711, Issue 1; Conference: CEC 2003: Cryogenic engineering and international cryogenic materials conference on advances in cryogenic engineering, Anchorage, AK (United States), 22-26 Sep 2003; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1774577; (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CERAMICS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
CRYOGENICS
ELECTRICAL INSULATION
EMBRITTLEMENT
FABRICATION
FIBERS
HEAT TREATMENTS
HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS
IMPREGNATION
MANUFACTURING
NIOBIUM COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
REINFORCED MATERIALS
SUPERCONDUCTING CABLES
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS
SUPERCONDUCTORS
TIN COMPOUNDS