Microstructural Properties and Magnetic Testing of Spot-Welded Joints Between Nb-Ti Filaments

Brittles G. D., Aksoy C., Grovenor C. R. M., Bradshaw T., Milward S., Speller S. C.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, vol.26, no.3, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1109/tasc.2016.2529290
  • Journal Name: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Joint microstructure, Nb-Ti joints, persistent current mode, spot welding, superconducting joint, SUPERCONDUCTING JOINT, WIRES
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The production of persistent-mode joints between Nb-Ti conductors remains an important problem in the field of superconducting magnets. Several researchers have demonstrated spot welding (resistance welding) as a technique capable of yielding superconducting joints directly between Nb-Ti filaments. In this study, the characteristic microstructural features associated with spot-welded joints between both multifilamentary and monofilamentary Nb-Ti wires are presented. Some initial measurements of the current-carrying ability of a monofilamentary joint have also been made by a novel magnetic technique. The suitability of spot welding for commercial magnet manufacture is discussed.