Influence of self-field on the critical current of Bi-2223/Ag tapes

Abstract

The knowledge of critical current density in a superconducting wire is essential in order to compute AC losses. In HTS tapes the critical current density is difficult to estimate from the measured critical current because self-field tends to reduce the current carrying capacity. In this paper the critical current is measured with a single sample and with two similar samples connected in antiparallel in order to compensate the self-field. Both types of measurement are simulated with finite element method. The simulations help to understand the relation between the measured critical current and material properties. The results suggest that in a high quality tape the self-field effect reduced the measured critical current ∼25% if compared to the real critical current at the zero external field.