Shock and Vibration Tolerant High Temperature Superconducting Shipboard Degaussing Cable

In the proposed SBIR Phase I project, American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) will carry out an extensive industry “best practice” exercise to optimize a high temperature superconductor (HTS) degaussing cable design to meet U. S. Navy (USN) shock and vibration requirements. The materials specification will indicate cable geometry; insulation, overwrap and core materials for typical applications as specified by USN sponsors. The process specification will define a manufacturing process map of the optimum design. AMSC will produce a small prototype (1' long) cable as a Phase I deliverable. AMSC will ensure a preliminary integration of a USN designated quick-disconnect connector with the HTS cable. A “gap analysis” will be performed to finalize the HTS cable to quick-disconnect connector integration. AMSC will define HTS degaussing cable condition based maintenance parameters by identifying, investigating and determining measurements as required in a full laboratory demonstration based on USN guidance. During Phase II, the HTS degaussing cable design chosen in Phase I will be manufactured in a length to be determined and tested for shock and vibration to MIL-STD-901 and 167, respectively.