High Performance, Ti Doped Nb3Sn Fabricated by the Internal Tin Tube Method

The high energy physics (HEP) community requires the development of superconducting wires for use in magnets that generate magnetic fields greater than 12 T. Currently, Nb3Sn is the only commercially available superconductor capable of operating at such high fields. However, the technical and cost performance to date does not meet the stated requirements of the HEP Conductor Advisory Group. This project seeks to develop an economical process for the fabrication of Nb3Sn conductors, which will meet the demands for next generation magnet development. The approach is to utilize a tubular niobium method that was developed previously, with the modification of using Nb-NbTi tubes to dramatically increase Jc. Higher tin contents in the core will result in more A15 phase formation, thicker layers, and the formation of tin-rich, high-quality A15 layers. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: High performance multi-filamentary Nb3Sn should find application in high energy physics particle accelerators and magnetic confinement fusion machines. Commercially, the conductor should find use in high frequency NMR magnets, by taking advantage of the higher critical current density in order to reduce the size and overall cost of the magnet system.