A facility for the characterization of the critical current of superconductors as a function of strain and magnetic field

A unique facility for the characterization of both low and high temperature superconductors is being designed and constructed at The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL). The facility is designed to allow the determination of strain effects on the critical current of superconducting materials as well as mechanical properties as a function of temperature. As presently designed the system can work with small wires (diameter <1.0 mm) and tapes, or it can be modified to handle large conductors with currents up to 10 kA. Mechanical properties can be measured over a broad range, with force resolutions as low as 0.05 N, a maximum load of up to 250 kN, and with monotonic or cyclic loading. Samples can be evaluated in fields up to 14 T with active sample lengths of 150 mm. Here we will report the present status of this facility and describe detailed specifications of testing capabilities.<>