Reduction of Mechanical Losses Due to Frictional Heat in Bi-2223 Tapes Using Structural Materials of Various Thermal Expansion Properties

We measured mechanical loss in an AC magnetic field for a short Bi-2223 superconducting tape. Experimental results indicated that mechanical loss decreased as tension applied to the sample tape increased. Furthermore, when a sample holder with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion was used, mechanical loss reduced. The origin of mechanical loss was confirmed to be the vibration of the sample tape. The expansion holder was the most effective means to reduce the vibration.