Non-destructive measurement of volume magnetic properties of large, bulk superconductors

Conference (2012, December 07)

The development of large, single grain bulk superconductors by melt processing techniques has generated a need to characterize samples magnetically over large dimensions, exceeding typically 20 mm in ... [more ▼]

The development of large, single grain bulk superconductors by melt processing techniques has generated a need to characterize samples magnetically over large dimensions, exceeding typically 20 mm in diameter. The usual magnetic characterization gives relies on miniature Hall probe mapping and gives information about the field distribution above the sample surface. If volume properties are required (e.g. magnetization hysteresis loops), the sample needs to be cut in smaller pieces, since the DC magnetic characterization systems for measurements at cryogenic temperatures generally accommodate samples of relatively small size (typically < 5-10 mm diameter). In this work we describe how the hysteresis B(H) loops of large bulk superconducting samples exceeding 10 mm diameter can be determined using home-made sensing coils, either in liquid nitrogen or within the experimental chamber of a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). Magnetic properties are measured and compared to those given by several Hall probes attached to both faces of sample. The system is used successfully to measure the DC hysteresis loops of entire (RE)BCO bulk superconducting domains. A careful data acquisition and numerical integration of pick-up coil voltage enables the sweep rate of the magnetic field to be varied from 0.5 to 10 mT/s while keeping an excellent signal/noise ratio. A simple model based on demagnetizing field approach is used to emphasize how the hysteresis loops determined by this technique differ from “true” magnetization loops derived from classical magnetic moment measurements (e.g. SQUID or VSM). These differences are supported with numerical modelling of the average magnetization of the bulk sample using the Brandt method. [less ▲]

Magnetic Shielding with Bulk High Temperature Superconductors: Factors Influencing the Magnetic Field Penetration in Hollow Cylinders

in Muralidhar, Miryala (Ed.) Superconductivity: Recent Developments and New Production Technologies (2012)

Random matrix models for phase diagrams

in Reports on Progress in Physics (2011), 74

We describe a random matrix approach that can provide generic and readily soluble mean-field descriptions of the phase diagram for a variety of systems ranging from QCD to high-T_c materials. Instead of ... [more ▼]

We describe a random matrix approach that can provide generic and readily soluble mean-field descriptions of the phase diagram for a variety of systems ranging from QCD to high-T_c materials. Instead of working from specific models, phase diagrams are constructed by averaging over the ensemble of theories that possesses the relevant symmetries of the problem. Although approximate in nature, this approach has a number of advantages. First, it can be useful in distinguishing generic features from model-dependent details. Second, it can help in understanding the `minimal' number of symmetry constraints required to reproduce specific phase structures. Third, the robustness of predictions can be checked with respect to variations in the detailed description of the interactions. Finally, near critical points, random matrix models bear strong similarities to Ginsburg-Landau theories with the advantage of additional constraints inherited from the symmetries of the underlying interaction. These constraints can be helpful in ruling out certain topologies in the phase diagram. In this Key Issue, we illustrate the basic structure of random matrix models, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and consider the kinds of system to which they can be applied. [less ▲]

Bulk melt-processed (RE)BCO superconductors subjected to AC fields in “parallel” and “crossed” direction, experiment and modelling

Conference (2010, November)

When bulk melt-processed (RE)BCO samples are used as permanent magnets in various engineering applications (e.g. rotating machines, magnetic bearings), they may experience transient or periodic variations ... [more ▼]

When bulk melt-processed (RE)BCO samples are used as permanent magnets in various engineering applications (e.g. rotating machines, magnetic bearings), they may experience transient or periodic variations of the applied magnetic field. In such a situation, the remnant magnetization of the sample is found to decrease in running operation, which is particularly inconvenient for the long-term reliability of the system. There are several possible causes for such a phenomenon. The first is the temperature increase resulting from the losses caused by the variable applied field, and may arise when the field is parallel to the main direction of the trapped flux. The second is caused by the component of the magnetic field perpendicular to the main direction of the trapped flux (“crossed field” configuration). In the present talk we review the relevant parameters which have a detrimental impact on the remnant magnetization in both cases. Modelling results are compared to experimental data obtained on bulk YBCO samples subjected to field oscillations of large amplitude. [less ▲]

Numerical Study of the Shielding properties of Macroscopic Hybrid Ferromagnetic/Superconductor Hollow Cylinders

in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity (2010), 20(1), 33

We study the magnetic shielding properties of hybrid ferromagnetic/superconductor (F/S) structures consisting of two coaxial cylinders, with one of each material.We use an axisymmetric finite-element ... [more ▼]

We study the magnetic shielding properties of hybrid ferromagnetic/superconductor (F/S) structures consisting of two coaxial cylinders, with one of each material.We use an axisymmetric finite-element model in which the electrical properties of the superconducting tube are modeled by a nonlinear E-J power law with a magnetic-field-dependent critical current density whereas the magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic material take saturation into account. We study and compare the penetration of a uniform axial magnetic field in two cases: 1) a ferromagnetic tube placed inside a larger superconducting tube (Ferro-In configuration) and 2) a ferromagnetic tube placed outside the superconducting one (Ferro-Out configuration). In both cases, we assess how the ferromagnetic tube improves the shielding properties of the sole superconducting tube. The influence of the geometrical parameters of the ferromagnetic tube is also studied: It is shown that, upon an optimal choice of the geometrical parameters, the range of magnetic fields that are efficiently shielded by the hightemperature superconductor tube alone can be increased by a factor of up to 7 (2) in a Ferro-Out (Ferro-In) configuration. The optimal configuration uses a 1020 carbon steel with a thickness of 2 mm and a height that is half that of the superconducting cylinder (80 mm). [less ▲]

Modification of the trapped field in bulk HTS as a result of the drilling of a pattern of artificial holes

in Journal of Physics: Conference Series [=JPCS] (2010), 234

The trapped magnetic field is examined in bulk high-temperature superconductors that are artificially drilled along their c-axis. The influence of the hole pattern on the magnetization is studied and ... [more ▼]

The trapped magnetic field is examined in bulk high-temperature superconductors that are artificially drilled along their c-axis. The influence of the hole pattern on the magnetization is studied and compared by means of numerical models and Hall probe mapping techniques. To this aim, we consider two bulk YBCO samples with a rectangular cross-section that are drilled each by six holes arranged either on a rectangular lattice (sample I) or on a centered rectangular lattice (sample II). For the numerical analysis, three different models are considered for calculating the trapped flux: (i), a two-dimensional (2D) Bean model neglecting demagnetizing effects and flux creep, (ii), a 2D finite-element model neglecting demagnetizing effects but incorporating magnetic relaxation in the form of an E – J power law, and, (iii), a 3D finite element analysis that takes into account both the finite height of the sample and flux creep effects. For the experimental analysis, the trapped magnetic flux density is measured above the sample surface by Hall probe mapping performed before and after the drilling process. The maximum trapped flux density in the drilled samples is found to be smaller than that in the plain samples. The smallest magnetization drop is found for sample II, with the centered rectangular lattice. This result is confirmed by the numerical models. In each sample, the relative drops that are calculated independently with the three different models are in good agreement. As observed experimentally, the magnetization drop calculated in the sample II is the smallest one and its relative value is comparable to the measured one. By contrast, the measured magnetization drop in sample (1) is much larger than that predicted by the simulations, most likely because of a change of the microstructure during the drilling process. [less ▲]

Self-heating of bulk high temperature superconductors of finite height subjected to a large alternating magnetic field

in Superconductor Science and Technology (2010), 23

In this work we study, both experimentally and numerically, the self-heating of a bulk, large YBCO pellet of aspect ratio (thickness / diameter) ~ 0.4 subjected to a large AC magnetic field. To ensure ... [more ▼]

In this work we study, both experimentally and numerically, the self-heating of a bulk, large YBCO pellet of aspect ratio (thickness / diameter) ~ 0.4 subjected to a large AC magnetic field. To ensure accurate temperature measurements, the sample was placed in an experimental vacuum chamber to achieve a small and reproducible heat transfer coefficient between the superconductor and the cryogenic fluid. The temperature was measured at several locations on the sample surface during the self-heating process. The experimentally determined temperature gradients are found to be very small in this arrangement (< 0.2 K across the radius of the superconductor). The time-dependence of the average temperature T(t) is found to agree well with a theoretical prediction based on the one-dimensional (1-D) Bean model, assuming a uniform temperature in the sample. A 2-D magneto-thermal model was also used to determine the space and time-dependent temperature distribution T(r, z, t) during the application of the AC field. The losses in the bulk pellet were determined using an algorithm based on the numerical method of Brandt, which was combined with a heat diffusion algorithm implemented using a finite-difference method. The model is shown to be able to reproduce the main trends of the observed temperature evolution of the bulk sample during a self-heating process. Finally, the 2-D model is used to study the effect of a non-uniform distribution of critical current density Jc(r, z) on the losses within the bulk superconductor. [less ▲]

Magnetic shielding properties of high- Tc superconducting hollow cylinders: model combining experimental data for axial and transverse magnetic field configurations

in Superconductor Science and Technology (2009), 22(10), 10500210

Magnetic shielding efficiency was measured on high- Tc superconducting hollow cylinders subjected to either an axial or a transverse magnetic field in a large range of field sweep rates, dBapp/dt. The ... [more ▼]

Magnetic shielding efficiency was measured on high- Tc superconducting hollow cylinders subjected to either an axial or a transverse magnetic field in a large range of field sweep rates, dBapp/dt. The behaviour of the superconductor was modelled in order to reproduce the main features of the field penetration curves by using a minimum number of free parameters suitable for both magnetic field orientations. The field penetration measurements were carried out on Pb-doped Bi-2223 tubes at 77 K by applying linearly increasing magnetic fields with a constant sweep rate ranging between 10 uT s[?]1 and 10 mT s[?]1 for both directions of the applied magnetic field. The experimental curves of the internal field versus the applied field, Bin(Bapp), show that, at a given sweep rate, the magnetic field for which the penetration occurs, Blim, is lower for the transverse configuration than for the axial configuration. A power law dependence with large exponent, n', is found between Blim and dBapp/dt. The values of n' are nearly the same for both configurations. We show that the main features of the curves Bin(Bapp) can be reproduced using a simple 2D model, based on the method of Brandt, involving a E(J) power law with an n-exponent and a field-dependent critical current density, Jc(B), (following the Kim model: Jc = Jc0(1+B/B1)[?]1). In particular, a linear relationship between the measured n'-exponents and the n-exponent of the E(J) power law is suggested by taking into account the field dependence of the critical current density. Differences between the axial and the transverse shielding properties can be simply attributed to demagnetizing fields. [less ▲]

Numerical simulation of the magnetization of high-temperature superconductors: a 3D finite element method using a single time-step iteration

in Superconductor Science and Technology (2009), 22

In this paper, we report progress towards a 3D finite element model for the magnetization of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS): we suggest a method that takes into account a power law conductivity ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we report progress towards a 3D finite element model for the magnetization of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS): we suggest a method that takes into account a power law conductivity and demagnetization effects, while neglecting the effects associated with currents that are not perpendicular to the local magnetic induction. We consider samples that are subjected to a uniform magnetic field varying linearly with time. Their magnetization is calculated by means of a weak formulation in the magnetostatic approximation of the Maxwell equations (A–φ formulation). An implicit method is used for the temporal resolution (backward Euler scheme) and is solved with the open source solver GetDP. Fixed point iterations are used to deal with the power law conductivity of HTS. The finite element formulation is validated for an HTS tube with large n value by comparing with results obtained with other well-established methods. We show that carrying out the calculations with a single time-step (as opposed to many small time-steps) produces results with excellent accuracy in a drastically reduced simulation time. The numerical method is extended to the study of the trapped magnetization of cylinders that are drilled with different arrays of columnar holes arranged parallel to the cylinder axis. [less ▲]

Random matrix model for antiferromagnetism and superconductivity on a two-dimensional lattice

in Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics) (2009), 79(14), 144502

We suggest a new mean-field method for studying the thermodynamic competition between magnetic and superconducting phases in a two-dimensional square lattice. A partition function is constructed by ... [more ▼]

We suggest a new mean-field method for studying the thermodynamic competition between magnetic and superconducting phases in a two-dimensional square lattice. A partition function is constructed by writing microscopic interactions that describe the exchange of density and spin fluctuations. A block structure dictated by spin, time-reversal, and bipartite symmetries is imposed on the single-particle Hamiltonian. The detailed dynamics of the interactions are neglected and replaced by a normal distribution of random matrix elements. The resulting partition function can be calculated exactly. The thermodynamic potential has a structure which depends only on the spectrum of quasiparticles propagating in fixed condensation fields, with coupling constants that can be related directly to the variances of the microscopic processes. The resulting phase diagram reveals a fixed number of phase topologies whose realizations depend on a single coupling parameter ratio, alpha. Most phase topologies are realized for a broad range of values of alpha and can thus be considered robust with respect to moderate variations in the detailed description of the underlying interactions. [less ▲]