The magnetic behavior and mechanical properties of low resistance joints of GdBa2Cu3O7 − δ 2G tapes

Abstract

The electrical properties of contacts of second-generation (2G) GdBCO superconducting tape conductors, which are soldered by Rose’s and PbSn solders, are investigated in an external magnetic field up to 5 T at a liquid nitrogen boiling temperature. The joint resistance at T = 77 K in the case of PbSn solder is approximately half that in the case of Rose’s alloy. The rise in the contact magnetoresistance with the field is weak and independent of the orientation of the magnetic field, and it is saturated in fields on the order of 3 T for both solders. The mechanical tensile strength of initial tape conductors and contacts is measured at room temperature. The ultimate strength of contacts produced by the PbSn solder is more than twice that for the contact made by Rose’s alloy. In the latter case, the ultimate tensile strength is lower than the critical stress of superconductor degradation.