Direct measurement of inter-filament resistance in various multi-filamentary superconducting NbTi and Nb3Sn strands

Abstract

For a proper characterization of multi-filamentary NbTi and Nb3Sn strands and a better understanding of their performance in short sample tests, as well as for increased understanding of inter-strand current redistribution in cabled conductors, a quantitative knowledge of the inter-filament transverse resistance is essential. In particular, in the case of strain or crack distributions among and along filaments in strain-sensitive superconductors such as Nb3Sn cable-in-conduit conductors, a much better understanding of the voltage–current transition is required as a basis for the analysis of full-size cables. Two particular four-probe voltage–current methods are developed to measure the transverse inter-filament resistance distribution directly, both in well-established and in state-of-the-art superconductors that are presently applied in the ITER, JT-60SA and LHC magnets. To extract values of the filament-to-matrix contact resistance from these direct experiments, some further assumptions are needed. These assumptions are based on FEM simulations and on measurement of the longitudinal strand resistance. An overview is given of a wide range of measurements on various NbTi and Nb3Sn strands, performed at temperatures below 10 K and at various applied magnetic fields. We present the results of the experiments and simulations and demonstrate how the extracted characteristic parameters provide a better insight into the current flow patterns within the strands.