Crack problem in a slab superconductor under flux creep and viscous flux flow after zero field cooling.

• A complex model is developed to estimate the effect of the electromagnetic force on fracture behavior in slab superconductor where the viscous flux flow and flux creep have been considered. • The equation for the flux profiles is modified in an infinite slab superconductor to consider the effect of flux creep and viscous flux flow. • The results indicate that both viscous flux flow and flux creep should be considered after ZFC process in order to avoid cracking within the superconductor slab. A relatively complex model is developed to estimate the effect of the electromagnetic force on fracture behavior in a slab superconductor with a center-situated crack, where the viscous flux flow and flux creep have been considered. The effects of the viscous flux flow and flux creep on the stress intensity factors and flux profiles are discussed for the descending field. The results indicate that both viscous flux flow and flux creep should be considered in zero-field cooling (ZFC) process in order to avoid cracking within the superconductor slab, which may be useful to researchers interested in cracking and mechanical failure of superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]