Superconducting wire test at Fermilab

Tests were conducted on superconducting wire for the Energy Doubler Project at Fermilab. The parameters of superconducting wires in which there is the most interest are short-sample critical-current data for designing maximum field, and ac loss data for refrigeration requirements. The maximum currents for the energy doubler model magnets are in the range of 3000 to 5000 A, depending on the type of wire. To be close to the operating levels, short-sample tests and ac loss tests are being made with these high-transport currents. This requires power supplies with 5000 A current capacity and heavy current carrying conductors. These make the measurements more complex, but by testing with full current capacity, all possible effects can be noted