Current density in HTSC current leads

Abstract

The thermal state of high-temperature superconductor current leads is considered upon changes in the current density. A change of the thermal regime in the resistive section and at a point of contact between a normal conductor and superconductor is described. The factors limiting the current density in current leads are revealed. An analytical method to determine allowable density in current leads is presented. At such a density, the maximum temperature of resistive section is no higher than the given allowed value and contact region temperature is no higher than the critical temperature of superconductor transition into a normal state. Analytical equations determining temperature distribution in the resistive section and normal conductor of contact part are derived. An equation determining contact length, in which the temperature is lower than critical one depending on the taken maximum allowed temperature of resistive section, is given.