Innovative Processing Methods for Superconducting Materials

65415 Currently available niobium-tin superconductors do not meet the requirements that have been identified for the Next Generation Hadron Collider. The cost is too high, and the properties must be improved. This project will develop new production technology for niobium-tin superconducting wire. The use of hydrostatic extrusion along with low-angle extrusion dies makes the processing of materials with different mechanical strengths possible. In Phase I, several billets having different internal geometries were processed. Diameter reductions of over 16:1 (256:1 area reduction) were achieved with no cracking or periodic breakage. The geometry remained constant during this processing. An innovative ¿trapping¿ concept was demonstrated that held the soft tin component in place by use of expanded metal sheets. In addition, billets with a relatively ¿hard¿ tin alloy also showed promise. In Phase II, the billets will be extruded down to wire size, so that short sample evaluations can be carried out. The ¿best¿ geometry will be chosen, and several ~1,000 foot lengths of wire will be produced. These samples will then be cabled and tested under simulated magnet conditions. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The use of high magnetic field levels has been restricted due to the high cost of superconducting materials. A high performance, relatively low cost, superconducting material will be an enabling development for the use of high magnetic fields. Applications include High Energy Physics, Magnetic Fusion, and Energy Storage. Also, the innovative manufacturing techniques developed could provide advantages in the processing of difficult materials.