Radiation Tolerant, Thermally Conductive Resin Systems for High Energy Physics Magnets

Superconducting magnets are critical components in particle accelerators and are used to generate and sustain the large magnetic fields needed for DOE’s High Energy Physics programs.Superconducting magnets are also commonly used in medical imaging, spectroscopy, and fusion energy applications.Current state-of-the-art Nb3Sn magnets suffer from long training cycles before stable magnet performance can be realized.The primary objective of the Phase II work is to address magnet quenching through improvements in the epoxy electrical insulation, resulting in significantly reduced training times for Nb3Sn magnets Key features of the development effort include improvements in thermal conductivity to improve heat dissipation and reduce quenching and improving insulation flexibility to reduce cracking that can induce a magnet quench.The overall goal of this proposed Phase II program is continue to evaluate the potential of high elongation and thermally conductive insulation resin systems for reducing training cycles in superconducting magnets.In Phase II, insulation resin systems will be identified and screened using a ten-stack test method that has been demonstrated to mimic resin performance in full-scale magnets.Based on the results of these tests, the most promising systems will be used in the fabrication of subscale superconducting magnets that will subsequently be evaluated for training performance.In addition to benefitting the high energy physics and fusion energy applications, the proposed work will benefit several segments of the U.S.economy.These include medical imaging, scientific instruments, transportation, and defense.Specific examples include superconducting magnets for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance systems as well as potting compounds for electric vehicle motors.