Ceramic Fibers Reinforce Strain‑Limited Superconductors

What is the finding

Researchers tested three types of reinforced samples of ceramic fibers to strengthen a key superconducting material (Bi‑2212) used in powerful magnets. Overall, the study showed that ceramic aluminum oxide (alumina) fibers significantly improve the mechanical durability of the 2212 superconducting materials, stiffening by a factor of almost three. Fibers can be added to magnets both as a co-wind, where fibers sit between superconducting wires, and as a braid, which surrounds the superconducting wires.

Why is this important?

Superconducting magnets experience very large forces while in operation. The higher the magnetic field, the larger the forces the magnet sees. However, too large of a force can destroy the superconductor within the magnet, causing it to fail. To reach very high fields (20+ Tesla, about 4000 times stronger than a fridge magnet) for practical applications, the superconductor must be reinforced. Finding reinforcement materials for use in superconducting Bi-2212 magnets is especially challenging because very few materials are compatible with the magnet fabrication process.

Who did the research?

Emma Martin¹, Youngjae Kim¹, Ulf P. Trociewitz¹, Daniel S. Davis¹, Aniket Ingrole², Shaon Barua¹, Eric Hellstrom¹, David C. Larbalestier¹, Fumitake Kametani¹

¹ASC-National MagLab-FSU; ²MS&T-National MagLab-FSU;

Why did they need the MagLab?

Superconducting magnets experience very large forces while in operation. The higher the magnetic field, the larger the forces the magnet sees. However, too large of a force can destroy the superconductor within the magnet, causing it to fail. To reach very high fields (20+ Tesla, about 4000 times stronger than a fridge magnet) for practical applications, the superconductor must be reinforced. Finding reinforcement materials for use in superconducting Bi-2212 magnets is especially challenging because very few materials are compatible with the magnet fabrication process.

Details for scientists

• View or download the expert-level Science Highlight, Alumina Fibers Mechanically Reinforce Superconducting Magnets
• Read the full-length publication, Mechanical characterization of Bi-2212 composite winding pack samples for high-field superconducting magnet design, in Superconductor Science and Technology

Funding

K. M. Amm (NSF DMR-2128556); E. Hellstrom (DOE DE-SC0010421); U.P. Trociewitz (DOE DE-SC0018683, NIH-RO1 1RO1GM154600); D.S. Davis (DOE-ARDAP DE-AC02-05CH11231/AWD00007176); State of Florida; US DOE-MDP

For more information, contact David Larbalestier.