Mechanical properties of composite conductors containing niobium filaments in bronze matrix

A discussion is presented of an investigation into mechanical properties of multifilamentary composites 0.3-1.5 mm in diameter and containing up to some tens of thousands of Nb filaments in a bronze matrix. The influence of design features, geometrical sizes, and heat treatment schedules on the strength and plasticity of the materials was studied. Using metallographic and electron microscopic analysis, data were obtained on the structure and morphology of multifilamentary conductors that give an explanation of the observed differences in the mechanical properties of the composites discussed. >