Magnetic flux jumps in textured Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+d) have been studied by means
of magnetization measurements in the temperature range between 1.95 K and Tc,
in an external magnetic field up to 9 T. Flux jumps were found in the
temperature range 1.95 K - 6 K, with the external magnetic field parallel to
the c axis of the investigated sample. The effect of sample history on magnetic
flux jumping was studied and it was found to be well accounted for by the
available theoretical models. The magnetic field sweep rate strongly influences
the flux jumping and this effect was interpreted in terms of the influence of
both flux creep and the thermal environment of the sample. Strong flux creep
was found in the temperature and magnetic field range where flux jumps occur
suggesting a relationship between the two. The heat exchange conditions between
the sample and the experimental environment also influence the flux jumping
behavior. Both these effects stabilize the sample against flux instabilities,
and this stabilizing effect increases with decreasing magnetic field sweep
rate. Demagnetizing effects are also shown to have a significant influence on
flux jumping.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, RevTeX4, submitted to Phys. Rev.
