Tensioning process for manufacture of superconducting ceramic composite conductors

US6205645A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• American Superconductor Corporation · US

Inventors

• Qi Li · Mountain View, US
• Craig J. Christopherson · Grafton, US
• Gilbert N. Riley, Jr. · Marlborough, US
• William L. Carter · Chelmsford, US
• William Michels · Berkeley, US
• Eric R. Podtburg · Natick, US
• Lawrence J. Masur · Needham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 1996
• Grant date: Mar 27, 2001
• Expiry date: May 21, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49014

Abstract

The combination of one or more high reduction drafts with controlled, low back tensions increases the range of deformation conditions over which dimensional tolerances and J.sub.e may be optimized. The method comprises the steps of: first, providing a precursor article comprising a metal matrix surrounding a plurality of filaments extending along the length of the article and comprising precursors to a desired superconducting ceramic; next, roll working the precursor article during a breakdown stage at a back tension less than the elastic to plastic transition threshold of the composite during at least one high reduction roll working draft, and, then, sintering the rolled article to obtain the desired superconducting ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the rolling step further comprises rolling the article at a front tension less than the elastic to plastic transition threshold of the rolled, unsintered article.