Transient heat transfer in coated superconductors

Computer simulation of transient heat transfer from coated superconductors to liquid helium have revealed that coating a superconductor with certain new materials, called Laketites, instead of traditional insulation, such as GE7031, substantially improves the ability of the superconductor to withstand transient heat pulses without making the transition to the normal i.e. non-superconducting state. In the best cases, the length of time that constant heating can be withstood is improved twenty fold. This report shows that the most important property of these new materials is their increased thermal conductivity relative to current materials. The highest thermal conductivity materials designed SC-2, SC-3 are the most desirable for further research and development. The increased specific heat of the Laketites is desirable, but not crucial. Furthermore, the thickness of the coating has little effect on the improved ability of the superconductor to withstand heat pulses. This report recommends a vigorous program of further development of the Laketites. A complete theoretical background of the computer simulation and examples of the programs used are also included in this report.