Tests of prototype SSC [Superconducting Super Collider] magnets

Results are presented from tests of the third full scale development dipole magnet for the Superconducting Super Collider and from a retest of a 4.5 m model magnet of the same design mounted in an SSC cryostat. The 4.5 m magnet shows consistent quench performance between its original tests in boiling liquid helium in a vertical dewar and the current tests in forced flow helium in a horizontal cryostat. Little or no retraining is observed over several thermal cycles. The full length magnet requires 12 quenches to train to its short sample limit of 6800 A and displays a reasonably stable quench plateau following training. This represents a great improvement over the performance of the first two full length magnets. Data are presented on quench behavior as a function of current and temperature and on azimuthal and longitudinal loading of the coil by the support structure. 14 refs., 7 figs