Critical state solution and alternating current loss computation of polygonally arranged thin superconducting tapes

Abstract

The current density and field distributions in polygonally arranged thin superconducting tapes carrying AC current are derived under the assumption of the critical state model. Starting from the generic Biot-Savart law for a general polygonal geometry, we derive a suitable integral equation for the calculation of the current density and magnetic field in each tape. The model works for any transport current below Ic, which makes it attractive for studying cases of practical interest, particularly the dependence of AC losses on parameters such as the number of tapes, their distance from the center, and their separation.