Development of Magnesium Diboride Superconductor Wire for MHD magnets

New high power airborne, and space military systems can benefit from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generating systems capable of delivering megawatt levels of electric power. MHD generators and other military components such as transformers, rotatinggenerators, and rf source magnets can benefit from light weight superconductors that can operate in the 4-30 K range. The goal of this Phase II project is the development of magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting wire and cables tailored to the needsof airborne MHD generators. The level of superconducting properties achieved can also serve the needs for superconducting rotating generators, rf coils for gyrotron (microwave generator) for direct weapon systems. MgB2 wire can be made round which makesit easier to cable compared to high temperature ceramic superconductor tapes. MgB2 wires and cables besides being 1/3-1/2 the weight of other superconductors, MgB2 wire can provide a superconductor that can enable applications in the liquid hydrogen rangeof 20 K, or the use of a cryocooler operating at 10-25K. During the Phase II we will work on approaches to increase the in-field current density of MgB2 wires and cables, and wind small coils to demonstrate that the superconducting properties aresufficient for MHD generators .