The Effects of External Pressure on the Thermal and Electrical Properties of Stacked GdBCO Coated Conductor Tapes

Abstract

This study examined the effects of external pressures on the thermal and electrical stabilities of stacked GdBCO CCs through quench tests. The minimum quench energies and two-dimensional normal zone propagation velocities of stacked GdBCO CCs connected electrically in series under various external pressures were examined. The quench test results showed that the minimum quench energy increased with increasing the external pressure. Longitudinal normal zone propagation velocities were greater than transverse normal zone propagation velocities. Moreover, normal zone propagation velocities increased with increasing applied pressure implying that applied pressure resulted in increased layer-to-layer thermal contact that allowed hot spots to dissipate more easily.