The effect of electromagnetic and mechanical stresses on critical current of Nb3Sn cable developed for superconducting generator

A study was conducted on the influence of mechanical and electromagnetic stresses on the critical current properties of Nb3Sn cables used as superconducting generator field winding conductors. The cables were subjected to a transverse compressive mechanical force of up to 29.4MPa and a magnetic field of up to 7T. The critical current remained constant and was not affected by mechanical stresses of up to 10,000 loading cycles. The critical current, however, decreased after being subjected to compressive and tensile electromagnetic stresses.