Coupling loss, interstrand contact resistance, and magnetization of Nb3Sn rutherford cables with cores of MgO tape and s-glass ribbon

Multistrand cables may exhibit two classes of parasitic magnetization both of which can distort the bore-field of an accelerator magnet: (1) a static magnetization (“hysteretic”) resulting from intrastrand persistent currents, and (2) a dynamic magnetization produced by interstrand coupling currents generated during field ramping. The latter, which are moderated by the interstrand contact resistances (ICR), can be controlled by the presence of an insulating core inserted between the layers of the cable. Stainless steel ribbon (with its associated native oxide coating) is a frequently used core. Recently, however, MgO-paper tapes and woven s-glass ribbons have been suggested by LBNL (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) as alternative core materials in the interests of improved flexibility and compatibility with the cabling process. This paper reports on the results of calorimetric AC loss (hence ICR) measurements on a set of four such cables and presents the results within the context of previously measured cored and uncored Nb3Sn cables. Also considered is a typical ramp-rate-induced coupling magnetization and its relationship to persistent-current magnetizations over the operating range of an accelerator magnet

The Effect of Ta and Ti Additions on the Strain Sensitivity of Bulk Niobium-Tin

The effect of tantalum and titanium additions on the composition, the superconducting properties, and their sensitivity to strain of bulk Nb3Sn is investigated. Using heat capacity analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), it is found that the binary Nb3Sn bulk and Nb3Sn bulk with added titanium and tantalum consist of stoichiometric Nb3Sn and niobium(-oxide). Furthermore, it is found that the niobium-to-tin ratio decreases in the presence of tantalum and increases in the presence of titanium, which suggests that tantalum is replacing niobium and titanium is replacing tin in the A15 crystal structure. Using a 10% resistivity criterion, it is observed that the critical magnetic field of unstrained binary bulk is 26.7 T, while the presence of tantalum and titanium raises the critical magnetic field to 29.3 and 30.1 T, respectively. The curves of normalized critical magnetic field as function of strain of all three samples nearly overlap, a strong indication that the variation in strain sensitivity observed in wires is not caused by the titanium and tantalum additions. Understanding the effect of additions on the composition, superconducting properties, and strain sensitivity of Nb3Sn is important for optimizing Nb3Sn conductor technolog

Developmentof the 15 T Nb3Sn dipole HD2

The Superconducting Magnet Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is continuing the development of HD2, a 1 m long Nb{sub 3}Sn dipole generating a dipole field of 15 T in a 36 mm clear bore. With tilted (flared) ends to avoid obstructing the beam path, HD2 represents a step towards the development of cost effective accelerator quality magnets. The design has been optimized to minimize geometric harmonics and to address iron saturation and conductor magnetization effects. The support structure is based on an external aluminum shell, pre-tensioned with pressurized bladders and interference keys. Aluminum axial rods and stainless steel end plates provide longitudinal support to the coil ends during magnet excitation. This paper reports on field quality optimization and magnet parameters. The design and fabrication of the coil and structure components, and results from coil winding, reaction, and potting are also presented

Measured Strain of Nb3Sn Coils During Excitation and Quench

The strain in a high field Nb{sub 3}Sn coil was measured during magnet assembly, cool-down, excitation and spot heater quenches. Strain was measured with a full bridge strain gauge mounted directly over the turns and impregnated with the coil. Two such coils were placed in a ''common coil'' fashion capable of reaching 11T at 4.2K. The measured steady state strain in the coil is compared with results obtained using the FEM code ANSYS. During quenches, the transient strain (due to temperature rise) was also measured and compared with the calculated mechanical time response to a quench