YBa2Cu3O7−δ coated conductor cabling for low ac-loss and high-field magnet applications**Contribution of NIST, a US government agency, not subject to copyright. Certaincommercial materials are referred to in this paper to foster understanding. Suchidentification does not imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST, nor does it implythat the materials identified are necessary the best available for the purpose.

Abstract

The electromechanical properties ofYBa2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors under high axial compressive strain are measured;they show no irreversible degradation in critical current up to−2% strain. The high degree of elasticity of the ceramic layers in these conductors isbeneficial when used in high-field applications, but has not been fully exploited. Theresults presented here lead to the introduction of a new method of producingYBa2Cu3O7−δ coated conductor cabling for use in low ac-loss and high-field magnet applications, wherecoated conductors are wound around a former with a relatively small diameter. Thisconcept allows for full transposition of the conductors, a high cable critical current, lowinductance, and a relatively high engineering current density. The feasibility of theconcept is demonstrated by constructing several prototype cables and by comparingthe cable critical current to that of a straight sample under axial compression.