Trapped field characterization in neutron irradiated (RE) Ba2Cu3O7-δ melt-textured superconductors

The flux density distribution in big monoliths is characterized prior to and after sequential irradiation and annealing steps. After that, the influence of different pinning centres, RE-Ba solid solution, Zn-impurities and radiation induced defects on the trapped field in samples with homogeneous flux density distribution will be discussed. The time and temperature dependence of the trapped field prior to and after irradiation will be also presented. Together with the temperature dependence of the trapped field the mechanical properties of the samples and the effectiveness of various reinforcement techniques, resin impregnation and stainless steel bandage, will be discussed. Finally, the trapped field and the critical current densities for big monoliths and for small reference samples will be compared. (author)