High Specific Power, Rapid Start-up 95 GHz Source Technology

In summary, the proposed Phase I work furthers our understanding of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils for gyrotron applications. A system trade study will be performed to minimize the overall weight of the system, while also maximizing the operating temperature, in order to minimize the cooldown time. Coupled thermal and mechanical finite element analysis will be performed to determine the imposed thermal cooldown stresses. These stresses will be compared to the known measured strength of the HTS coils, in order to determine the minimum allowable cooldown time. Then, a representative thermal mass will be designed, fabricated and tested under Phase I to validate the analytical model. The objective is technology-readiness for high power density rotating electric machines and magnet applications, such as gyrotrons. Under the ensuing Phase II program, a sub-scale 2G HTS magnet will be designed, fabricated and tested.