High T(sub c) superconductors: Will they replace helium temperature superconductors for magnets

This compares the properties of a Y-Ba-Cu-O high T(sub c) conductor (T(sub c) = 93 K) with niobium titanium (T(sub c) = 9.4 K). If one assumes that the critical current density for the high T(sub c) superconductor is the same as niobium titanium and they are both in a conducting matrix, one can make a direct comparison of the two types of superconductor. The comparisons in the paper include: adiabatic and dynamic stability diameter, normal region propagation rates, the burnout integral of J dt, quench initiation energy, and matrix current density for cryogenic stability. From such a comparison, it is clear that high T(sub c) superconductor may not be the superconductor of choice for many applications. An example of such an application is the use of high T(sub c) conductors for accelerator magnets.