The Critical Current of REBCO Coated Conductors Subjected to a Mechanical Loading at Varying Angles

High-temperature superconducting REBCO coated conductors and cables made from them are required in the building of fusion reactors, high-field magnets, and other high-current and high magnetic field devices. In the construction phase, the coated conductors undergo mechanical loading throughout the coated conductor production, cable manufacturing and when the resulting device is put in operation. Therefore, a simple method for investigating the loss of critical current after bending at different diameters and angles would be helpful. Here, we present a setup designed with simplicity in mind, allowing easy replication of testing conditions. As an example, the behaviour of two conductors has been characterized. We found differences in critical bending diameter when CC tapes were bent at 30 degrees angle and 45 degrees angle. The measurements were complemented by numerical and analytical calculations. The analytical calculations are an idealized 2D model serving as a first approach method for a fast prediction of loading severity. 3D numerical modelling of the measurement setup was performed in finite element software ANSYS, allowing us in-depth investigation of the strain/stress distribution in the multilayer structure of REBCO coated conductors. Scanning electron microscope study of the surface of the superconducting layer on one of the samples helped explain the measurement results.