Measurements of thermal effects in a bulk YBCO single domain superconductor submitted to a variable magnetic field

in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity (2007), 17(2, Part 3), 3036-3039

When YBCO single domains are subjected to a variable magnetic field, the motion of vortices may give rise to a significant temperature increase and a degradation of the superconducting properties. We have ... [more ▼]

When YBCO single domains are subjected to a variable magnetic field, the motion of vortices may give rise to a significant temperature increase and a degradation of the superconducting properties. We have experimentally investigated such effects in bulk melt-processed YBCO single domains. Several temperature sensors, a pick-up coil and two Hall probes were placed against the surface of a monolithic bulk YBCO pellet. Data were simultaneously recorded during the application of ac magnetic fields of various amplitudes, either with or without a pre-existing dc trapped flux. The measurement results agree well with to those obtained by numerical modeling. It was also found that a superimposed dc magnetic moment reduces the temperature increase caused by the ac magnetic field. (C) 2003 IEEE. [less ▲]

Investigation of DyBa2CU3O7-d superconducting domains grown by the infiltration technique starting with small size Dy-211 particles

in Superconductor Science and Technology (2005), 18(2 Sp. Iss. SI), 136-141

An infiltration and growth process is here used as an alternative to the classical top-seeded melt-textured growth process for the production of Dy-123 single-domains with finely dispersed small size Dy ... [more ▼]

An infiltration and growth process is here used as an alternative to the classical top-seeded melt-textured growth process for the production of Dy-123 single-domains with finely dispersed small size Dy-211 particles. The starting materials are the 211-particles and a barium and copper rich liquid phase precursor. The infiltration and growth process allows for controlling both the spatial and size distribution of the 211-particles in the final superconducting 123-single-domain. The main parameters (set-ups, maximum processing temperature with respect to the peritectic temperature, nature of reactant, porosity of the 211-preform) of the infiltration and growth process are discussed. Moreover, different processes of chimie douce are shown in order to produce Dy-211 particles with controlled shape and size, particles that can be used as precursors for the infiltration and growth process. [less ▲]

The contribution of 211 particles to the mechanical reinforcement mechanism of 123 superconducting single domains

in Superconductor Science and Technology (2004), 17(1), 169-174

Hardness and fracture toughness of Dy-123 single domains were studied by Vickers in micro-indentation. A significant anisotropy of the mechanical properties was observed. Hardness tests give higher values ... [more ▼]

Hardness and fracture toughness of Dy-123 single domains were studied by Vickers in micro-indentation. A significant anisotropy of the mechanical properties was observed. Hardness tests give higher values when performed in (001) planes rather than in planes parallel to the c-axis. Moreover, the cracks pattern around the indentation follows preferential orientation in planes parallel to the c-axis whereas a classical 'four-cracks' pattern is observed in the (001) planes. It has been possible to show the crucial role played by the 211 particles in the deviating mechanism of cracks and the relevance of the high homogeneity of 211-particle distribution in the material. [less ▲]