Stability simulations of cryostable superconductors under transient mechanical perturbations

An experimental technique has been established to simulate the transient mechanical perturbation and to measure the minimum propagating current of a cryostable superconducting coil. The experimental setup is described. Typical waveforms of potential profiles across the normal zone and temperature profiles of the normal zone for both the propagating and recovery conditions are shown. Also presented are the measured recovery currents versus the perturbation energy under various external magnetic field strengths, heater lengths and heating durations. These data will be discussed and compared with data computed from a theoretical model.