Design and Fabrication of the Mu2e Cable Test Solenoid

Superconducting solenoids developed for the Fermilab Mu2e require an extended R&D on superconductor cables performance, working in strong field in the critical currents range. To test these cables, the Mu2e Cable Test Solenoid was designed and fabricated at Fermilab. The solenoid contains three coils (two Main coils, and one Test coil), connected in series. The Main coils are wound with the well known SSC NbTi cable. They are permanently attached to the solenoid top and bottom carbon steel flanges. The Test coil is replaceable, and meant to be installed between two Main coils. This coil can be wound with any superconductor cable which needs to be tested (the first Test coil was wound with RIKEN heavy aluminum stabilized NbTi cable). The cables cross section ratio in the Main Coils and the Test coil ensures operating of Main coils in the current ranges well below the critical value for their cable, while the Test coil always works near its critical current range. The solenoid design and some cable splicing issues are presented.