YBa2Cu3O7-delta coated conductor cabling for low ac-loss and high-field magnet applications

The electromechanical properties of YBa2Cu3O7-delta coated conductors under high axial compressive strain are measured; they show no irreversible degradation in critical current up to -2% strain. The high degree of elasticity of the ceramic layers in these conductors is beneficial when used in high-field applications, but has not been fully exploited. The results presented here lead to the introduction of a new method of producing YBa2Cu3O7-delta coated conductor cabling for use in low ac-loss and high-field magnet applications, where coated conductors are wound around a former with a relatively small diameter. This concept allows for full transposition of the conductors, a high cable critical current, low inductance, and a relatively high engineering current density. The feasibility of the concept is demonstrated by constructing several prototype cables and by comparing the cable critical current to that of a straight sample under axial compression.