The Fabrication of Multifilament Nbti Composite Wire for Accelerator Applications

Magnets for the Fermilab Energy Doubler Accelerator will cycle from 1.0 to 4.5 T and back every 30 s. In order to minimize thermal losses in these magnets, filament size must be minimized, the matrix of the composite separated by high resistivity material, and the filaments twisted to prevent coupling. Cost considerations also dictate that the critical current be maximized in order to cut costs. This work reviews the methods used to manufacture superconducting cables that meet these criteria. The metallurgical processing parameters that affect the kinetics of optimizing the performance of these conductors are discussed. 8 figs.