Non-Invasive Techniques to Study Local Passivity Breakdown of Metal Alloys in Aqueous Media

65513 Niobium-Tin (Nb3Sn) wires and cables are valuable components in the manufacture of next-generation particle accelerators used for high energy physics (HEP) research. However, current performance and cost, as well as the technology to manufacture these Nb3Sn elements, fall below HEP requirements. This project will develop an inline heat treatment process to react niobium-tin-copper (Nb-Sn-Cu) wires and cables for the large-scale fabrication of flexible Nb3Sn wires and cables used to manufacture Nb3Sn magnets. Phase I will (1) fabricate prototype internal tin multifilamentary Nb-Sn-Cu wires and cables, in which Nb filaments are in immediate proximity to tin cores; (2) minimize reaction heat treatment schedules; and (3) develop a practical inline heat treating process for the production of flexible Nb3Sn wires and cables. Commercial Applications and other benefits as described by the awardee: An inline heat treatment process should find application in the manufacture of superconducting magnets used in the next generation of particle accelerators, as well as in energy storage, fusion reactors, MRI devices, and NMR spectrometers.