Radiation-Tolerant, Thermally Conductive Resin Systems for High Energy Physics Magnets

Superconducting magnets are critical components in particle accelerators and are used to generate and sustain the large magnetic fields needed for DOE’s High Energy Physics programs. Superconducting magnets are also commonly used in medical imaging, spectroscopy, and fusion energy applications. Current state-of-the-art Nb3Sn magnets suffer from long training cycles before stable magnet performance can be realized. The primary objective of the Phase I work is to address magnet quenching through improvements in the epoxy electrical insulation, resulting in significantly reduced training times for Nb3Sn magnets Key features of the development effort include improvements in thermal conductivity to improve heat dissipation and reduce quenching and improving insulation flexibility to reduce cracking that can induce a magnet quench. The overall goal of this proposed Phase I program is to address heat dissipation and reduce cracking in the epoxy insulation systems used for high energy physics magnets. In Phase I, epoxy systems incorporating additives known for high cryogenic thermal conductivity will be developed. A parallel effort in improving crack resistance of the insulation will also be conducted. Thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance of the resulting systems will be demonstrated.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to benefitting the high energy physics and fusion energy applications, the proposed work will benefit several segments of the U.S. economy. These include medical imaging, scientific instruments, transportation, and defense. Specific examples include superconducting magnets for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance systems.