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Enhancement of the critical current of multifilamentary Nb/sub 3/Sn conductors by tensile stress

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.324255· OSTI ID:7099072

The critical current I/sub c/ and the strain epsilon within multifilamentary Nb/sub 3/Sn conductors subjected to a uniaxial tensile stress were measured. I/sub c/ increases with increasing epsilon and passes through a maximum I/sub c m/ at a strain epsilon/sub m/. The ratio I/sub c m//I/sub c/ is a function of epsilon-epsilon/sub m/ only and independent of conductor type. As the ratio ..gamma.. of the cross-sectional area of the conductor taken up by Nb/sub 3/Sn to that of bronze decreases, epsilon/sub m/ increases. For ..gamma..=0.06, the smallest value used, epsilon/sub m/=0.9% and I/sub c m//I/sub c/sub 0/=1.4 at 4.4 T (I/sub c/sub 0/: initial value of I/sub c/). This effect occurs because the coefficient of thermal expansion is greater for bronze than for Nb/sub 3/Sn. The resulting pressure to which the Nb/sub 3/Sn is subjected at 4.2 K reduces I/sub c/. Initially, an externally applied axial stress reduces the pressure upon the Nb/sub 3/Sn and produces an increase in I/sub c/. Further increase of the stress exerts a resultant tensile stress upon the Nb/sub 3/Sn and brings about a reduction in I/sub c/. The technical applicability of the conductor is improved by the internal compressive stress since less degradation in I/sub c/ occurs at high tensile loads when compared to the case of a stress-free conductor.

Research Organization:
Research Laboratories, Siemens AG, D-8520 Erlangen, Federal Republic of Germany
OSTI ID:
7099072
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 48:9; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English