Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Large Single Domain GdBaCuO Superconductor With Low Void Density

We fabricated large single domain of GdBaCuO (Gd-123) densified superconductor with a seeding and temperature gradient method in oxygen at the melt stage then in air at the growth stage for future applications such as a superconducting flywheel for energy storage system, magnetic separation, and a bulk magnet. The innovative melt-textured single domain of Gd-123 system superconductor was about 46 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness. Gd-123 densified superconductors are expected to have high Jc and trapped field properties with higher mechanical strength. We discussed mechanical properties such as the bending stress, the hardness and the surface roughness of the Gd-123 bulk for improving the strength of Gd-123 bulks.