Overview and status of the Next European Dipole Joint Research Activity

Abstract

The Next European Dipole (NED) Joint Research Activity was launchedon 1 January 2004 to promote the development of high-performanceNb3Sn conductors in collaboration with European industry (aiming at a non-copper critical current densityof 1500 A mm−2 at 4.2 K and 15 T) and to assess the suitability ofNb3Sn technologyto the next generation of accelerator magnets (aiming at an aperture of 88 mm and a conductor peakfield of ∼15 T). It is part of the Coordinated Accelerator Research in Europe (CARE) project, which involveseight collaborators, and is half-funded by the European Union. After briefly recalling theActivity organization, we report the main progress achieved over the last year, which includes:the manufacturing of a double-bath He II cryostat for heat transfer measurements throughNb3Sn conductor insulation, detailed quench computations for various NED-likemagnet configurations, the award of two industrial subcontracts forNb3Sn conductor development, the first results of a cross-calibration programme of test facilities forNb3Sn wire characterization, detailed investigations of the mechanical properties of heavilycold-drawn Cu/Nb/Sn composite wires, and the preliminary assessment of a newinsulation system based on polyimide-sized glass fibre tapes. Last, we briefly reviewthe efforts of an ongoing Working Group on magnet design and optimization.