A model for the texture development of high-Tc superconductors under an elevated magnetic field

A theoretical model is proposed to explain the degree of texture achieved in high-Tc superconductors during melt-processing under an elevated magnetic field. The degree of grain alignment is quantified through a factor F which is defined as ranging from 0 (random alignment) to 1 (completely oriented). Intermediate values of F clearly characterize intermediate states of alignment in which there is still some tendency for the grains to align their c axes with the magnetic field. The model suggests that the enhancement in texture is primarily obtained through grain rotation during the early stages of grain growth from the liquid. At the later stages of growth, grains interact with each other, which hinders the phenomena of magnetic-field-induced grain alignment. copyright 1999 Materials Research Society