Development and testing of toroidal field superconductors for fusion devices

Superconductors rated at 10-16 kA in a magnetic field of 8 T are being designed, manufactured, and tested in cooperative development programs between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and conductor manufacturers. Conductor specimens based on ideas previously submitted by the manufacturers were fabricated and tested along with others designed and fabricated at ORNL. The tests measure short sample currents, stability, pressure drop, and heat transfer. Conductor parameters include strand size, cable configuration, superconductor distribution within the conductor, and compaction.