Cu-Nb and Cu/stainless steel winding materials for high field pulsed magnets

Two promising types of Cu/stainless steel (SS) macrocomposite and Cu-Nb microcomposite winding wires for large scaled high field pulsed magnets are reviewed. The estimation of the potentially achievable combinations of mechanical and electrophysical properties has been done. The features of corresponding manufacturing processes for Cu/SS and Cu-Nb wires are presented. The strength-conductivity properties of several types of Cu-Nb and Cu/SS conductors are given. Relationships between the microstructure parameters and mechanical properties of Cu-Nb wires are discussed. The RT (room temperature) ultimate tensile strength at the level of 900-1100 MPa and conductivity 50-60% IACS for Cu/SS conductors with cross-sections up to 40 mm/sup 2/ has been attained. For Cu-Nb wires with 6 mm/sup 2/ cross section the RT ultimate strength exceeding 1400 MPa has been attained.