Transient response of single-domain Y-Ba-Cu-O rings to pulsed magnetic fields

Shielding current limits and magnetic diffusion characteristics have been measured at 77 K for a set of YBCO single-domain rings. These were fabricated from melt-textured cylindrical YBCO monoliths that were densified to nearly 100%, and then oriented from a single seed. The rings were surrounded by a drive coil that can, under pulse conditions, achieve applied magnetic fields in excess of 1 T and induce currents in excess of 50 kA. Simultaneous magnetic characterization with a Rogowski coil and Hall probe was used to determine the induced current in the sample and the magnetic field in the center of the sample. Magnetic fields trapped in the samples were mapped with a scanning Hall probe. When compared with similar measurements on multidomain c-axis-oriented YBCO rings, the flux penetration is faster and more uniform around the circumference of the ring. The observed critical current density, ≈ 15,000 A/cm² at 77 K, is suitable for application in penetration-type fault current limiters. Separate measurements of the trapped magnetic field and critical current density in the rings are compared with results obtained by analysis of magnetic diffusion characteristics.