The Quench Propagation in Superconducting Magnets. A Finite Element Solution

Abstract

Superconducting magnets are in an unstable thermal equilibrium. Deviations from the equilibrium can cause a propagating thermal wave driven by non-linear Joule heat generation. The analysis of this process, called the quench of a magnet, is a vital design requirement. This paper deals with the numerical analysis of the quench propagation in superconducting coils with 3-D, arbitrary shape based on the finite element solution of a set of parallel 1-D problems represented by the compressible flow of the coolant, heat conduction and non-linear heat generation.