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Acoustic emission (AE) sensing is a viable tool for superconducting magnet diagnostics. Using in-house developed cryogenic amplified piezoelectric sensors, we conducted AE studies during quench training of the US LARP’s high-field quadrupole HQ02 and the LBNL’s high-field dipole HD3. For both magnets, AE bursts were observed, with spike amplitude and frequency increasing toward the quench current during current up-ramps. In the HQ02, the AE onset upon current ramping is distinct and exhibits a clear memory of the previously-reached quench current (Kaiser effect). On the other hand, in the HD3 magnet the AE amplitude begins to increase well before the previously-reached quench current (felicity effect), suggesting an ongoing progressive mechanical motion in the coils. A clear difference in the AE signature exists between the untrained and trained mechanical states in HD3. Time intervals between the AE signals detected at the opposite ends of HD3 coils were processed using a combination of narrow-band pass filtering; threshold crossing and correlation algorithms, and the spatial distributions of AE sources and the mechanical energy release were calculated. Both distributions appear to be consistent with the quench location distribution. Energy statistics of the AE spikes exhibits a power-law scaling typical for the self-organized critical state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report test results for the one meter long dipole HD3b, a block-type accelerator quality \Nb3\Sn magnet built at LBNL with operational bore fields in the range of 13–15 T. The magnet is an upgrade of the previously reported HD2 and HD3a versions, with several modifications implemented to improve conductor positioning, reduce cable “hard-way” bending radius, and strengthen electrical insulation between cables and coil parts. The magnet exhibited long training behavior, but showed a good “memory” of the trained state upon thermal cycling. Ramp-rate dependence of the quench current, field quality performance characteristics, and protection heater studies were conducted. Quench propagation velocity and quench locations were determined based on the voltage signals; quench localization was further improved using inductive quench antenna and acoustic emission sensors. Short- and long-term acoustic precursors to quenching were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Stochastic fluxon dynamics and spatial ordering are studied in a superconducting Nb film patterned with a periodic (3×3 micron) square array of holes. First, imaging of the film is performed using Scanning Hall Probe Microscope following application of the random noise magnetic drive. We observe formation of the fluxon stripe patterns oriented preferentially along the principal axes of the array. Next, ac magnetic field is applied as superposition of harmonic and random noise components and the local magnetic response is probed with the micron-sized Hall sensor at a single array site. We find that hopping of the fluxons becomes synchronized with the harmonic driving at certain amplitude of the random noise; the latter is found to be dependent upon the harmonic drive frequency. We attribute our observations to the phenomenon of stochastic resonance that is ubiquitous in non-linear multi-level systems with dynamic threshold and discuss a possibility of flux manipulation using stochastically-resonant periodic driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report quench test results for the 1-meter long, 120 mm aperture Nb3Sn quadrupole magnet, HQ01, designed, fabricated and tested for the LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP). The magnet has a design gradient of 219 T/m at 1.9 K and peak field of \sim15 T. Earlier tests (HQ01a, b) showed peak gradients of 152 T/m at 4.4 K but also revealed electrical insulation weaknesses that ultimately led to coil damage. Structural and electrical improvements incorporated into HQ01c magnet have assured and tracked the electrical integrity of the coils. The most recent HQ01d and HQ01e tests demonstrated gradients of 170 T/m at 4.4 K (86% of short sample critical current) with moderate training. By analyzing magnet voltage test data, quench propagation velocities and quench locations were determined. Most of the quenches tended to cluster around the pole region of the coils. Eight PC-board quench antennas were installed to better identify quench locations. We monitored longitudinal propagation of pole-turn quenches and correlated inductive responses of the quench antennas with magnet voltages. On down-ramps, the HQ magnet exhibited no quenches at rates up 150 A/s; the experimental ramp-rate dependence was analyzed using a simple ‘loss model’. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents a study related to the critical current in the vortex phase of a type II superconductor which displays an anomaly in the vicinity of the superconductor-to-normal-metal transition known as the peak effect. Evidence that two distinct vortex-matter phases with intrinsically different pinning strengths coexist on a macroscopic scale; Argument that the observed phase coexistence is the hallmark of a disorder-driven non-thermal phase transition.

Advanced magnet systems for fusion applications would greatly benefit from the use of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). These materials allow fusion magnets to operate at higher magnetic fields, allowing for more compact fusion machines, and allow for operation at elevated temperatures, enabling demountable coils that provide access for maintenance of the fusion reactor. Quench detection remains a major challenge in the protection of HTS magnets that are vulnerable to localized conductor burnout due to their low quench propagation velocities. One of the methods explored is the use of Hall sensors that are incorporated in or near the magnet terminations that can detect local field variations that occur as a result of current redistribution within the conductor to bypass a hotspot within the magnet winding. This method is potentially well suited for Cable in Conduit Conductors, such as those made from Conductor on Round Core (CORC) cables, in which sub-cables containing HTS tapes are connected to the terminations at a low resistance. To demonstrate the technique, a CORC® triplet consisting of three sub-cables, rated for 4 kA operation at 77 K, was manufactured and Hall sensors were used to measure local field variations next to the terminations due to current redistribution between the cables. The Hall response was compared to voltages that developed over the cables and terminations as a local hotspot was applied to different cables in the triplet. It was found that the Hall sensors were faster and more sensitive than voltage contact measurements and were able to reliably detect current redistribution of only a few amperes caused by a hotspot, well before the triplet exceeded its critical current. The method also allowed the detection of heater-induced hotspots during high ramp rates of 2 kA s−1 relevant for fusion applications. Hall sensors have a distinct benefit of being less sensitive to inductive pickup of AC interference compared to voltage contact measurements that make quench detection through voltage measurements in magnets especially challenging. The method can also be used for diagnostic measurements of current redistribution caused by other sources such as inhomogeneous current injection from faulty joints, or localized conductor damage. The Hall sensors are likely capable of detecting the onset of a quench that may occur a far distance away from the sensor location, presenting a breakthrough in HTS quench detection that potentially removes one of the remaining barriers to reliable operation of large HTS magnet systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a superconducting film deposited on ferromagnetic substrate with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, vortex matter is confined by the magnetic potential landscape. Using scanning Hall microscopy we visualize flux accumulation and removal in a superconductor-ferrimagnet (S/F) bilayer prepared by rf sputtering of thin niobium film on bismuth-doped rare-earth iron garnet. Penetration of the perpendicular magnetic field in the S/F bilayer follows magnetic domain boundaries and is laterally guided by the garnet magnetization component along the field direction. Upon field removal, localization of the remnant flux at the disclination points of the labyrinthine domain pattern is observed. Our experiments show evidence for strong vortex pinning due the special topology of the domain pattern. Ac magnetic imaging of the transport current distribution in the bilayer reveals complex flow paths commensurate with the magnetic domain boundaries. Topological magnetic pinning can be a useful tool for enhancement and control of critical current in thin film superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of the High-Luminosity Large HadronCollider, the installation of a new generation of quadrupole magnets is foreseen on each side of ATLAS and CMS experiments. The new magnets are based on Nb3Sn technology and shall be able to reach an ultimate current of 17.9 kA with a peak field of 12.3 T in the coil. In 2016 and 2017, the first two short models, called MQXFS3 and MQXFS5, have been tested at 4.2 and 1.9 K in the two new test benches at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. This paper presents the result of the quench performance of the two models; the first magnet reached nominal but failed to reach ultimate, showing detraining in one coil. MQXFS5 reached ultimate performance without any detraining phenomena, validating the PIT conductor used for the first time in this magnet program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high luminosity upgrade project U.S. LARP/HiLumi has successfully tested the first 1.5 m prototype quadrupole MQXFS1 at Fermilab' Magnet test facility. Several thermal cycles and test programs were performed, with different preload configurations. To localize and characterize quenches, a quench antenna and voltage taps are used. The quench antenna was placed inside a warm bore of an anticryostat centered in the magnet. We varied the length between quench antenna segments from 2.54 to 15.24 cm, and shifted the location of the antenna to localize the quench origin along the various wedge and spacers transitions in the lead end of the magnet. We present results on the identified quench locations for the second and third thermal cycle in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canted-Cosine-Theta is a design option for the next generation of high field superconducting dipoles being pursued within the US Magnet Development Program. This paper presents new modeling techniques developed for design and analysis of CCT magnets. For mechanical modeling in ANSYS, three approaches with increasing accuracy are compared: 2-D symmetry models; 3-D periodic symmetry models; and full 3-D models. Methods for the static and transient magnetic simulation using ANSYS are presented with a focus on circuit-coupled models for predicting magnet behavior following quench. Where applicable, simulation results are compared to data from CCT magnet tests at Berkeley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multilayer high field dipole magnet has been designed for future particle accelerators. The magnet has eight layers of a \Nb3\Sn outsert coil and four layers of a Bi-2212 insert coil (see Figs. 1 and 2). The layers are graded, delivering a short-sample field of 17.7 T in a 40-mm bore. The coil layers are of a canted cosine–theta design—with ribs and spars that guide and support the coil windings, shape the field, intercept Lorentz forces, and minimize conductor prestress. We present a general overview of the concept and report on the magnetic and mechanical design including an initial cost estimate and construction plan. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The U.S. LHC Accelerator Research Program has been developing \Nb3\Sn quadrupole magnets of progressively increasing performance and complexity for the High-Luminosity LHC project. The magnets are wound with Rutherford cables following the wind-and-react process. The resulting inter-strand coupling can generate strong field distortions during current ramp. The latest series of 120 mm aperture magnets (HQ) are designed and built for high field quality, offering an opportunity for detailed studies of these effects. Magnetic measurements of first-generation HQ magnets showed strong ramp-rate dependence. A stainless-steel core was introduced for the second generation of magnet coils to control the inter-strand coupling currents and the resulting dynamic multipoles. We report the observed dynamic effects and compare with calculations taking into account the coil geometry and cross-contact resistance in the Rutherford cable. In particular, the dependence of field quality on width and position of the stainless steel core is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the framework of the Large Hadron Collider Luminosity upgrade (HiLumi-LHC) project, the US LHC accelerator research program is developing high-gradient, large-aperture \Nb3 \Sn quadrupole magnets for the LHC interaction regions. The fabrication and tests of a first series of 120-mm-aperture “HQ01” coils revealed design issues that resulted in limited performance. A second series of coils was fabricated in which a number of improved features were implemented (HQ02 coils). The improvements were partly validated with the successful test of an HQ02 coil in a mirror structure, which reached 97% of the short sample. Here, we review the modifications in the coil design and the coil fabrication process, report the issues met during the fabrication, give details of the few differences that exist within the set of HQ02 coils, and discuss a list of further improvements that will be implemented in a third series of HQ coils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We summarize critical current measurements and parameterizations of the data of 112 round wires and extracted strands that were reacted with the first 17 coils for the high-gradient quadrupole (HQ) magnets for the US LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP). We standardize the strand parameterizations and coil 'short sample' calculations, and demonstrate that the entire critical current database can be captured in two scaling parameters per coil. These parameters summarize the short sample performance for each coil for either HQ magnet tests, or mirror tests of individual coils. We also demonstrate that for RRP R conductors, generic strain scaling parameters can be derived for at least four substantially different wire configurations, and standardize self-field corrections for LARP. The parameterized conductor performance is used to judge the performance of the HQ magnets and mirror tests. We find that although the HQ magnets reach around 86% of their short sample limitations, they are limited by factors other than the critical current of the conductor. Individual coils in mirror tests reach up to 98% of the expected performance, and do appear limited by the critical current of the conductor. Detailed analysis of short sample performance through accurate parameterizations simplifies the accessibility of short sample data, and enables accurate judgment of magnet performance as well as conductor and cable quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two years the US LARP program carried out five tests on a quadrupole magnet aimed at the high luminosity upgrade of Large Hadron Collider (HiLumi-LHC). The 1-meter long, 120 mm bore \ Nb3{\ {Sn}} IR quadrupole magnet (HQ) with a short sample gradient of 219 T/m at 1.9 K and a conductor peak field of 15 T is part of the US LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP). In a series of tests, carried out at 4.4 K, the magnet reached a maximum “short-sample” performance of 86%. The tests exposed several shortcomings that are now being addressed in a Research & Development program. This paper summarizes the magnet test results, reveals findings, R&D actions and future improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to continue supporting the development of accelerator magnets for the next generation of particle colliders, the LBNL Superconducting Magnet Program has started the design and fabrication of the Nb3Sn Large-aperture Dipole LD1. The goal of the magnet is to generate a dipole field of 13 T to 15 T in a clear aperture of 144 mm \times 94 mm, enabling high-field tests of Rutherford cables and insert coils made of Nb3Sn or high temperature superconductors (HTS), like Bi-2212, YBCO, and Bi-2223. The bore size will also accommodate large Cable-In-Conduit Conductors (CICC's), including ITER cables. We describe in this paper the design of LD1, in particular cable geometry, coil lay-out and support structure. Operational conditions based on strand measurements will be discussed, focusing on coil peak fields in straight section and end region, bore field homogeneity, and stress on the conductor during assembly, cool-down and excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HQ01 is a superconducting quadrupole magnet under development by the LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP) as a part of an R&D effort to demonstrate that Nb3Sn magnet technology is a viable option for a future luminosity upgrade of the LHC. The design is characterized by a 120 mm bore, a maximum gradient of 219 T/m at 1.9 K, and a support structure based on an aluminum shell pre-tensioned by water-pressurized bladders. The shell-based structure concept has already been successfully implemented in previous LARP quadrupole magnets. In HQ01, the structure incorporates additional features designed to provide full alignment between the support structure components and the coils. Specifically, the coil azimuthal alignment is achieved through outer layer pole keys which, by intercepting part of the force applied by bladders and shell, remain clamped to bolted aluminum collars from assembly to full excitation. A sequence of assemblies and cool-downs were executed with different keys sizes to characterize the alignment system and its impact on coil pre-load, at both room temperature and at 4.5 K. This paper reports on the mechanical behavior of the HQ01, by summarizing the strain gauge data and comparing them with FEM model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• A sub-scale experiment to explore magnet level composite characteristics. • Acoustic and voltage data was collected during pressing of magnet–scale composites. • Voltage data was collected from an embedded and excited Nb 3 Sn strand. • Two impregnation materials were compared, CTD–101 K and NHMFL Mix–61. • NHMFL Mix–61 generated lower count and amplitude acoustic and voltage signals. A previously commissioned system for exploring critical current pressure sensitivity in superconducting cables, the Transverse Pressure Insert, was modified to examine signals resulting from strand motion and insulation/impregnation cracking in a fully-excited Nb 3 Sn single strand embedded in an insulation wrapped and impregnated Cu dummy Rutherford cable stack. Measurements were performed in LHe with cyclic transverse pressures up to 68.5 MPa and transverse applied fields up to 13 T. Pressure was applied and removed to simulate stresses seen during magnet operation. Voltage and acoustic signal traces from a CTD-101 K impregnated cable stack were compared to those of a sample impregnated with NHMFL Mix–61. The experiments in this document were in the pursuit of developing a smaller scale, lower cost, and shorter turn around time experiment for exploring materials and processes to decrease training in next-generation Nb 3 Sn accelerator magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]