Microstructural and Magnetic Characterization of ${\hbox{CuNb}}/{\hbox{Nb}}_{3}{\hbox{Sn}}$ Wires With Different Architectures

In this work we focus on the microstructural and magnetic characterization of wires with different architectures (design and reinforcement). The microstructural characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy. AC magnetic susceptibility was measured with field applied both parallel and perpendicular to the wire axis. The heat treatment performed to form the A-15 superconducting phase leads to partial spheroidization followed by coarsening of the Nb filaments in the reinforcement material. The differences concerning the microstructure of the reinforcement material among the investigated wires were reflected in the broadening of the superconducting transition of Nb, more evident for a field applied parallel to the wire axis. From the magnetic data the wires were also compared in terms of the superconducting volume fraction.