Full length SSC R&D dipole magnet test results

Four full-scale SSC (Superconducting Super Collider) development dipole magnets have been tested for mechanical and quench behavior. Two are of a design similar to that of previous magnets but contain a number of improvements, including more uniform coil size, higher prestress, and a redesigned inner-outer coil splice. One exceeds the SSC operating current on the second quench, but the other appears to be limited by damaged superconductor to a lower current. The other two magnets are of alternate designs. One trains erratically and fails to reach a plateau, and the other reaches a plateau after four quenches. >