Influence of test methods on critical current degradation of Bi-2223/Ag superconductor tapes by bending strain

The results of two test methods were compared among three laboratories to determine a standard measurement method of critical current (Ic) as a function of bending strain for Ag-sheathed Bi-2223 superconductors. The VAMAS round-robin-test method (RRT) and the bending-rig method developed by Goldacker were used. The Ic degradation started with less bending strain for RRT than for bending-rig. Average irreversible strains (εirr) were 0.30% for RRT and 0.37% for bending-rig. Another test identified parameters that affected the results. A modified RRT method, with a current connection between the sample and the electrode, was used to avoid some thermal stresses of the test procedure. The εirr values increased to the level of the bending-rig, but the modified RRT Ic degradation rate with bending strain was higher. The stress states during sample bending differed between these methods. The shear stress was examined as a source of the Ic degradation rate differences with strain in terms of the crack propagation and delamination defects of oxide filaments from the Ag sheath