Conventional wire and cable technology

The present state of the art of practical bulk superconductors is reviewed. The recent developments in high-current density fine-filament NbTi conductors are dealt with at length. The improvements achieved can be applied to the full range of different product forms of monofilamentary NbTi. These are described together with the fabrication methods used to produce them. Three practical fabrication techniques for multifilamentary Nb₃Sn are outlined and properties are compared and discussed. Reference is made to V₃Ga, NbN, and Chevrel phases and the novel fabrication techniques used to produce these materials. It is pointed out that the lessons learned in the manufacture of these compound superconductors can be used to help in the development of the newer high-T_c materials