Toward a Non-Cu Jc(12T) of 4,000 A/mm2 with Novel Second Phase Flux Pinning in PIT Strand for HEP Applications

Doing High Energy Physics (HEP) at higher energy collisions requires higher energy and luminosity. More luminosity means larger apertures and, therefore, bigger magnets with magnetic fields beyond 12 Tesla. The HEP engineering goal for the near future of five to eight years is 15T to 20T. This means a requirement for advanced Nb3Sn superconductors with improved performance and cost. This project will develop and demonstrate an economical high-performance powder-in-tube (PIT) Nb3Sn process for use in magnets for future HEP accelerator research. This will be accomplished by the improvement of the critical current density in high magnetic fields above 15T. The project will develop novel second phase flux pinning that will enhance the performance at high magnetic fields in PIT Nb3Sn superconductors. The Phase I project developed and demonstrated the effectiveness of the second phase flux pinning and grain refinement. This in turn resulted in improved property performance at high magnetic fields. The Phase II project will optimize the heat treatment temperature and time and the alloy compositions. The data will be used to assemble and manufacture a scale-up prototype conductor in the Phase II project. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The improved cost-performance for this new conductor will have an immediate benefit for high field magnets in DOE HEP applications. Other important applications for these superconductors include fusion reactors and uses in chemical research, biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, polymer science, petroleum research, agricultural chemistry, and medicine.