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Innovative Processing Methods for Superconducting Materials
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-01ER86122
Amount: $454,644
Small Business Research Institution
Dr. John B. Hendricks, Principal Investigator
Ms. Mary T. Hendricks, Business Official
256-536-8625
Currently available niobium-tin superconductors do not meet the requirements that have been identified for the Next Generation Hadron Collider. The cost is too high, and the properties must be improved. This project will develop new production technology for niobium-tin superconducting wire. The use of hydrostatic extrusion along with low-angle extrusion dies makes the processing of materials with different mechanical strengths possible. In Phase I, several billets having different internal geometries were processed. Diameter reductions of over 16:1 (256:1 area reduction) were achieved with no cracking or periodic breakage. The geometry remained constant during this processing. An innovative “trapping” concept was demonstrated that held the soft tin component in place by use of expanded metal sheets. In addition, billets with a relatively “hard” tin alloy also showed promise. In Phase II, the billets will be extruded down to wire size, so that short sample evaluations can be carried out. The “best” geometry will be chosen, and several ~1,000 foot lengths of wire will be produced. These samples will then be cabled and tested under simulated magnet conditions.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: The use
of high magnetic field levels has been restricted due to the high cost of
superconducting materials. A high
performance, relatively low cost, superconducting material will be an enabling
development for the use of high magnetic fields. Applications include High
Energy Physics, Magnetic Fusion, and Energy Storage. Also,
the innovative manufacturing techniques developed could provide advantages in
the processing of difficult materials.