Inductive method for critical current measurement of superconducting cables for high energy physics applications

Abstract

Abstract In order to measure the critical current, the quench current and the n-value of superconducting cables for high field dipole magnets, an inductive method was developed taking advantage of an existing facility at INFN in Genova. The current is induced in a single turn of a superconducting cable by using the same superconducting magnet that generates the background field (6.5 T in 500 mm bore). The sample is soldered on a copper ring that holds the magnetic forces and thermally stabilizes the cable. The method was tested by measuring the critical current of a cable of HERA dipole magnets, previously measured by the standard method, i.e. using a dc power supply to feed the sample.