Development of Laves Phase (C15) Vanadium-Zirconium-Hafnium Superconductor for High Field Superconducting Magnet Use

摘要

The project examined several processing methods by which V2(Hf-Zr) Laves Phase superconductor could be fabricated including hot extrusion of billets containing V, Hf, Zr components of either powder or foil form incorporated with stabilizing Cu protected by a Nb diffusion barrier. Cold processed billets of similar composition were also investigated. These materials were then drawn with intermediate anneals down to wire (0.012-0.064 inch diameters) with varying degrees of difficulty. Wire samples were then heated to form the Laves Phase material via interdiffusion of the V, Hf, and Zr components. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations were conducted on various samples and critical current densities measured. Results are given in the report.