PIT Nb3Sn Superconducting Strands Based on a Modified Powder/Tube Reaction Route

70884 Future high field (15T+) dipole magnets, needed for high energy physics experiments, will require higher performance superconductors in longer length and with lower cost. The use of powder metallurgy technology in the manufacture of Nb3Sn superconductor' offers the potential for lower cost with high Jc. This project will develop a powder metallurgy process that will easily and economically produce long length superconductor wire with high current density. Phase I will evaluate various powder metallurgy chemistries in short sample monofilament and multifilament wires and demonstrate the production of long lengths using extrusion and direct drawing of multifilament billets. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as describe by the awardee: The largest markets would be for accelerator and fusion magnets. In addition, high field magnets (above 5 tesla) can be used for MRI, NMR, high gradient magnetic separators, and SMES applications.