Explosive compaction/cladding of YBCO discs: a numerical approach

Abstract In order to manufacture metal-sheathed bulk superconducting discs, the explosive compaction/cladding technique, which combines explosive welding and compaction, was employed. In this paper, experimental and numerical investigations are reported on grooved metallic plates, filled with superconducting ceramic powder, subjected to explosive loading. The response of the metal and ceramic material during compaction is investigated by using finite element techniques and the dimensions of the compacts, pressure and temperature distributions are predicted. The numerical results obtained are compared with experimental observations, being in good agreement.