Stability analysis of a model for the defect structure of YBa2Cu3Ox.

Abstract

Unusual microstructures of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub {ital x}} (123) crystals have been observed. These structures have been shown to pass very high transport currents. A model of the solidification of 123 from a melt with Y{sub 2}BaCuO{sub 5} (211) inclusions indicates that the stability of the 123 interface can depend on the sizes of the 211 inclusions. The observed formations are interpreted in the light of this instability. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}