Investigation of cable insulation and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy impregnated Nb/sub 3/Sn composite

Within the framework of the Fermilab high field magnet program, cable insulation and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy impregnated Nb/sub 3/Sn composite were studied. As a part of cable insulation development, a new wrappable ceramic insulation was investigated to understand its mechanical properties and its influence on magnet fabrication technology. Measurements of modulus of elasticity and Poisson´s ratio of Nb/sub 3/Sn composite made out of ten-stack samples were performed under compression at room temperature and at 4.2 K. The results from both monotonic and cyclic loading tests are presented. Finally, measurements of the coefficient of thermal contraction for the composite using strain gauges is discussed.