Extensive Analyses of Superconducting Cables 3D Geometry With Advanced Tomographic Examinations

Abstract

In the framework of activities embedding magnet design and associated R&D activities and relying on Cable in Conduit Conductors (CICC) technology, the singularity of the concept can rise some challenges versus their modelling in operation. Indeed, CICC includes thousands of superconducting strands, twisted together under a multi-staged scheme that also includes deformation by cabling and compaction during manufacture. This causes the accurate predictability of strands position in CICC extremely difficult, while it can be a key element for modelling their performances in operation. As a matter of fact the coupling losses rely on the CICC capability to establish inter-strand shielding currents, driven by the inter-strand contacts mapping which are only accessible in prediction via accurate 3D strand trajectories geometry. Same applies for prediction of CICC mechanical properties (deformation of Nb3Sn strands) and hydraulic properties (helium coolant force-flowed between the strands), making those investigations of high added-value. In this context, INFLPR installed a new set-up dedicated to micro-tomography to examine CICCs with high resolution, and get an overall overall 3D overview regarding picture of the strands location. CEA and INFLPR further developed a post-processing method to reconstruct the strands trajectories with high accuracy. The measurement and data analysis workflow was applied to two CEA middle-size CICCs with variable void fraction from which contact statistics were issued. The obtained database was exploited to reconstruct equivalent 3D resistive network. Above applications using CICC topology database are discussed, compared to experimental AC losses database issued by CEA and interpreted considering the CEA model COLISEUM. The outcomes are discussed and subsequent guidelines for future work presented.