Characterization of Nb3Sn Superconducting Strands under Wide Range Pure-Bending Strain.
Mallon, Philip.
2011
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Abstract: Nb3Sn superconducting wire is sensitive to strain, which degrades
electromagnetic performance. The substantial operation degradations found during ITER model
coil tests of high current Cable-in-Conduit Conductors have given rise to research aimed at
understanding the mechanisms behind the degradations due to bending, transverse, and axial
strains. The degradation of a single Nb3Sn st... read morerand under pure bending is the focus of this
thesis. Pure bending tests have been conducted to quantify the degradation for the ITER
Nb3Sn strands. Based on the previously developed pure-bending sample holder for up to 0.8%,
two improved types of sample holders were developed to cover pure-bending strains up to
1.4%. The test probe held two sample holders, with two strand samples in each sample
holder. Bending errors and Lorentz force effects on the sample holders were evaluated.
Critical current measurements as a function of bending strain between 0 and 1.4% were
performed for ITER Luvata and Oxford internal tin wires at 15 T at the National High
Magnetic Field Laboratory, FL. It was found that eliminating the thin support walls used in
the low bending sample holder allows for the desired higher strains to be applied to the
sample while still supporting the strand against the Lorentz load. Under a strain of 1.3%,
both types of samples experienced about a 60% loss in critical current. During cyclic
bending up to 1.4%, Luvata samples lost about 50% their critical current
performance.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2011.
Submitted to the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor: Luisa Chiesa.
Committee: Makoto Takayasu, and Gary Leisk.
Keyword: Mechanical engineering.read less - ID:
- xp68kt70m
- Component ID:
- tufts:20920
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- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
