Dependence of critical current on sample length analyzed by the variation of local critical current bent of BSCCO superconducting composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsubayashi, H.; Mukai, Y.; Shin, J.K.; Ochiai, S.; Okuda, H.; Osamura, K.; Otto, A.; Malozemoff, A.

2008-01-01

Using the high critical current type BSCCO composite tape fabricated at American Superconductor Corporation, the relation of overall critical current to the distribution of local critical current and the dependence of overall critical current on sample length of the bent samples were studied experimentally and analytically. The measured overall critical current was described well from the distribution of local critical current and n-value of the constituting short elements, by regarding the overall sample to be composed of local series circuits and applying the voltage summation model. Also the dependence of overall critical current on sample length could be reproduced in computer satisfactorily by the proposed simulation method

Phonon-induced enhancements of the energy gap and critical current in superconducting aluminum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seligson, D.

1983-05-01

8 to 10 GHz phonons were generated by piezoelectric transduction of a microwave and by means of a quartz delay line, were allowed to enter the aluminum only after the microwaves had long since disappeared. The maximum enhancements detected were [deltaT/T/sub c/] = -0.07, for i/sub c/ and [deltaT/T/sub c/] = -0.03 for Δ. The power- and temperature-dependence (0.82 less than or equal to T/T/sub c/ less than or equal to 0.994) of the enhancements were compared with the prediction of a theory given by Eliashberg. The gap-enhancement was in good agreement with the theory only for low input lower. The critical current measurements are predicted to be in rough agreement with the Δ measurements but this was not observed. The magnitude of the critical current enhancements was typically more than twice the observed gap enhancements. The measured critical current enhancement was relatively independent of temperature whereas the gap enhancement decreased rapidly as the temperature was lowered

Method for critical current testing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Siddall, M.B.; Smathers, D.B.

1989-01-01

Superconducting critical current testing software was developed with four important features not feasible with analog test equipment. First, quasi-steady-state sample current conditions are achieved by incrementing sample current, followed by holding some milliseconds until the transient voltage decays before voltage sampling. Then the self-field correction from a helically wound sample is computed and subtracted from each sampled field reading. A copper wire inductively wound shunt which is used for quench protection has a constant measured resistance from which the shunt leakage current is computed and subtracted from the sample current by measuring the shunt voltage after each sample current reading. Finally, the critical current is recomputed from a least squares curve fit to the power law: E=A*In when the correlation coefficient for the fit is high enough to ensure a better result than the raw datum. Comparison with NBS Standard Reference Material (NbTi) and current round robin Nb/sub 3/Sn testing is examined

Analysis of strain distribution and critical current of superconductors based on a strain-critical current measurement system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Fang; Wu Yu; Long Feng

2010-01-01

Based on Pacman device which is widely used to investigate the axial strain dependence of the critical current in superconductors, the finite element analysis method is employed to carry out the force analysis of the spring and the superconducting strand, thereby the axial and lateral strain distributions of the superconducting strand are obtained. According to the two extreme assumptions(low inter-filament resistance and high inter-filament resistance), the effects of the strain homogeneity at the cross section of the superconductor on the critical current is analyzed combined with the Nb 3 Sn deviatoric strain-critical current scaling law. (authors)

Analytical model of the critical current of a bent Nb3Sn strand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koizumi, Norikiyo; Murakami, Haruyuki; Hemmi, Tsutomu; Nakajima, Hideo

2011-01-01

The critical current performance of a large Nb 3 Sn cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC) was degraded by periodic bending of strands due to a large transverse electromagnetic force. The degradation of each strand due to this bending should be evaluated in calculations of the critical current of a CICC, but a suitable model has not been developed yet. Therefore, the authors have developed a new analytical model which takes into account plastic deformation of copper and bronze and filament breakage. The calculated results were compared with test results for uniformly bent Nb 3 Sn bronze-route strands. The calculated results assuming a high transverse resistance model (HTRM) show good agreement with the test results, a finding which confirms the validity of the model. Because of a much shorter calculation time than for numerical simulation, the developed model seems much more practical for use in calculating the critical current performance of a Nb 3 Sn CICC. In addition, simulation results show that since the neutral axis of a bent strand shifts to the compressive side due to plastic deformation of the copper and bronze, and/or filament breakage, the strand is elongated by bending. This elongation may enhance the strand's critical current performance. Moreover, the calculated results indicate that the dependence of the critical current on the bending strain is affected by the bending history if the strand is excessively bent, especially when filaments are broken. In a real magnet, since a strand in a CICC is normally subject to the maximum electromagnetic force prior to an evaluation of its performance at a lower electromagnetic force, the effect of over-bending should be taken into account in calculations of its critical current performance, especially when filament breakage occurs.

Maximum time-dependent space-charge limited diode currents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Griswold, M. E. [Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688 (United States); Fisch, N. J. [Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

2016-01-15

Recent papers claim that a one dimensional (1D) diode with a time-varying voltage drop can transmit current densities that exceed the Child-Langmuir (CL) limit on average, apparently contradicting a previous conjecture that there is a hard limit on the average current density across any 1D diode, as t → ∞, that is equal to the CL limit. However, these claims rest on a different definition of the CL limit, namely, a comparison between the time-averaged diode current and the adiabatic average of the expression for the stationary CL limit. If the current were considered as a function of the maximum applied voltage, rather than the average applied voltage, then the original conjecture would not have been refuted.

Correlations between critical current density, jc, critical temperature, Tc, and structural quality of Y1B2Cu3O7-x thin superconducting films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chrzanowski, J.; Xing, W.B.; Atlan, D.

1994-01-01

Correlations between critical current density (j c ) critical temperature (T c ) and the density of edge dislocations and nonuniform strain have been observed in YBCO thin films deposited by pulsed laser ablation on (001) LaAlO 3 single crystals. Distinct maxima in j c as a function of the linewidths of the (00 ell) Bragg reflections and as a function of the mosaic spread have been found in the epitaxial films. These maxima in j c indicate that the magnetic flux lines, in films of structural quality approaching that of single crystals, are insufficiently pinned which results in a decreased critical current density. T c increased monotonically with improving crystalline quality and approached a value characteristic of a pure single crystal. A strong correlation between j c and the density of edge dislocations N D was found. At the maximum of the critical current density the density of edge dislocations was estimated to be N D ∼1-2 x 10 9 /cm 2

Current opinion about maximum entropy methods in Moessbauer spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szymanski, K

2009-01-01

Current opinion about Maximum Entropy Methods in Moessbauer Spectroscopy is presented. The most important advantage offered by the method is the correct data processing under circumstances of incomplete information. Disadvantage is the sophisticated algorithm and its application to the specific problems.

Maximum power point tracking for PV systems under partial shading conditions using current sweeping

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsang, K.M.; Chan, W.L.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • A novel approach for tracking the maximum power point of photovoltaic systems. • Able to handle both the uniform insolation and partial shading conditions. • Maximum power point tracking based on current sweeping. - Abstract: Partial shading on photovoltaic (PV) arrays causes multiple peaks on the output power–voltage characteristic curve and local searching technique such as perturb and observe (P&O) method could easily fail in searching for the global maximum. Moreover, existing global searching techniques are still not very satisfactory in terms of speed and implementation complexity. In this paper, a fast global maximum power point (MPPT) tracking method which is using current sweeping for photovoltaic arrays under partial shading conditions is proposed. Unlike conventional approach, the proposed method is current based rather than voltage based. The initial maximum power point will be derived based on a current sweeping test and the maximum power point can be enhanced by a finer local search. The speed of the global search is mainly governed by the apparent time constant of the PV array and the generation of a fast current sweeping test. The fast current sweeping test can easily be realized by a DC/DC boost converter with a very fast current control loop. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed global searching scheme

Statistical analysis of the distribution of critical current and the correlation of n value to the critical current of bent Bi2223 composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S; Matsubayashi, H; Okuda, H; Osamura, K; Otto, A; Malozemoff, A

2009-01-01

Distributions of local and overall critical currents and correlation of n value to the critical current of bent Bi2223 composite tape were studied from the statistical viewpoint. The data of the local and overall transport critical currents and n values of the Bi2223 composite tape specimens were collected experimentally for a wide range of bending strain (0-1.1%) by using the specimens, designed so as to characterize the local and overall critical currents and n values. The measured local and overall critical currents were analyzed with various types of Weibull distribution function. Which of the Weibull distribution functions is suitable for the description of the distribution of local and overall critical currents at each bending strain, and also how much the Weibull parameter values characterizing the distribution vary with bending strain, were revealed. Then we attempted to reproduce the overall critical current distribution and correlation of the overall n value to the overall critical current from the distribution of local critical currents and the correlation of the local n value to the local critical current by a Monte Carlo simulation. The measured average values of critical current and n value at each bending strain and the correlation of n value to critical current were reproduced well by the present simulation, while the distribution of critical current values was reproduced fairly well but not fully. The reason for this is discussed.

Method for measuring the resistive transition and critical current in superconductors using pulsed current

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McGinnis, W.C.; Jones, T.E.

1993-01-01

A method is described for measuring the intragranular critical current of a granular superconductive material, comprising the steps of: conducting a substantially rectangular electronic pulse through said material so as to conduct a current through said material such that when said intragranular critical current of said material is exceeded, any grains present in said material are in a superconducting state when said current is less than said intragranular critical current, said material having a critical temperature; measuring said current through said material while conducting said pulse; measuring a voltage difference across said material while conducting said pulse; and determining said intragranular critical current through said material by varying said current to discern a current level at which an electrical resistance of said material increases to that of a non-superconducting state as the grains of said material transition from said superconducting to said non-superconducting state

Thermodynamic parameters of single- or multi-band superconductors derived from self-field critical currents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Talantsev, Evgueni [Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt (New Zealand); Crump, Wayne P.; Tallon, Jeffery L. [Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt (New Zealand); MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Lower Hutt (New Zealand)

2017-12-15

Key questions for any superconductor include: what is its maximum dissipation-free electrical current (its 'critical current') and can this be used to extract fundamental thermodynamic parameters? Present models focus on depinning of magnetic vortices and implicate materials engineering to maximise pinning performance. But recently we showed that the self-field critical current for thin films is a universal property, independent of microstructure, controlled only by the penetration depth. Here, using an extended BCS-like model, we calculate the penetration depth from the temperature dependence of the superconducting energy gap thus allowing us to fit self-field critical current data. In this way we extract from the T-dependent gap a set of key thermodynamic parameters, the ground-state penetration depth, energy gap and jump in electronic specific heat. Our fits to 79 available data sets, from zinc nanowires to compressed sulphur hydride with critical temperatures of 0.65 to 203 K, respectively, are excellent and the extracted parameters agree well with reported bulk values. Samples include thin films, wires or nanowires of single- or multi-band s-wave and d-wave superconductors of either type I or type II. For multiband or multiphase samples we accurately recover individual band contributions and phase fractions. (copyright 2017 by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Critical temperature gradient and critical current density in thin films of a type I superconductor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heubener, R P

1968-12-16

Measurements of the critical temperature gradient and the critical current density in superconducting lead films in a transverse magnetic field indicate that the critical current flows predominantly along the surface of the films and that the critical surface currents contribute only very little to the Lorentz force on a fluxoid.

Current control of PMSM based on maximum torque control reference frame

Science.gov (United States)

Ohnuma, Takumi

2017-07-01

This study presents a new method of current controls of PMSMs (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors) based on a maximum torque control reference frame, which is suitable for high-performance controls of the PMSMs. As the issues of environment and energy increase seriously, PMSMs, one of the AC motors, are becoming popular because of their high-efficiency and high-torque density in various applications, such as electric vehicles, trains, industrial machines, and home appliances. To use the PMSMs efficiently, a proper current control of the PMSMs is necessary. In general, a rotational coordinate system synchronizing with the rotor is used for the current control of PMSMs. In the rotating reference frame, the current control is easier because the currents on the rotating reference frame can be expressed as a direct current in the controller. On the other hand, the torque characteristics of PMSMs are non-linear and complex; the PMSMs are efficient and high-density though. Therefore, a complicated control system is required to involve the relation between the torque and the current, even though the rotating reference frame is adopted. The maximum torque control reference frame provides a simpler way to control efficiently the currents taking the torque characteristics of the PMSMs into consideration.

Enhancing critical current density of cuprate superconductors

Science.gov (United States)

Chaudhari, Praveen

2015-06-16

The present invention concerns the enhancement of critical current densities in cuprate superconductors. Such enhancement of critical current densities include using wave function symmetry and restricting movement of Abrikosov (A) vortices, Josephson (J) vortices, or Abrikosov-Josephson (A-J) vortices by using the half integer vortices associated with d-wave symmetry present in the grain boundary.

Uranium doping and neutron irradiation of Bi-2223 superconduction tapes for improved critical current density

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moss, S.D.; Wang, W.G.; Dou, S.X.; Weinstein, R.

1998-01-01

It is demonstrated that a combination of neutron irradiation with uranium doping introduce fission tracks through a Bi-2223 tape which act as effective pinning centres, leading to a substantial increase in critical current. Preliminary data suggests that the combination of uranium doping and neutron irradiation produces improved flux pinning in Bi-2223 tapes over neutron irradiation alone. Before irradiation, SEM, DTA and XRD analyses were performed on the tapes. Both before and after irradiation the trapped maximum magnetic flux was measured at 77K. Before neutron irradiation, uranium doping has no effect on critical current. Preliminary SEM data suggested that the uranium is homogeneously distributed throughout the oxide core of the tape. The presence of 2212 and other secondary phases in the doped tapes suggest further refinement of the sintering procedure is necessary. (authors)

High Critical Current Coated Conductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paranthaman, M. P.; Selvamanickam, V. (SuperPower, Inc.)

2011-12-27

One of the important critical needs that came out of the DOE’s coated conductor workshop was to develop a high throughput and economic deposition process for YBCO. Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique, the most critical steps in high technical micro fabrications, has been widely employed in semiconductor industry for various thin film growth. SuperPower has demonstrated that (Y,Gd)BCO films can be deposited rapid with world record performance. In addition to high critical current density with increased film thickness, flux pinning properties of REBCO films needs to be improved to meet the DOE requirements for various electric-power equipments. We have shown that doping with Zr can result in BZO nanocolumns, but at substantially reduced deposition rate. The primary purpose of this subtask is to develop high current density MOCVD-REBCO coated conductors based on the ion-beam assisted (IBAD)-MgO deposition process. Another purpose of this subtask is to investigate HTS conductor design optimization (maximize Je) with emphasis on stability and protection issues, and ac loss for REBCO coated conductors.

Criticality predicts maximum irregularity in recurrent networks of excitatory nodes.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yahya Karimipanah

Full Text Available A rigorous understanding of brain dynamics and function requires a conceptual bridge between multiple levels of organization, including neural spiking and network-level population activity. Mounting evidence suggests that neural networks of cerebral cortex operate at a critical regime, which is defined as a transition point between two phases of short lasting and chaotic activity. However, despite the fact that criticality brings about certain functional advantages for information processing, its supporting evidence is still far from conclusive, as it has been mostly based on power law scaling of size and durations of cascades of activity. Moreover, to what degree such hypothesis could explain some fundamental features of neural activity is still largely unknown. One of the most prevalent features of cortical activity in vivo is known to be spike irregularity of spike trains, which is measured in terms of the coefficient of variation (CV larger than one. Here, using a minimal computational model of excitatory nodes, we show that irregular spiking (CV > 1 naturally emerges in a recurrent network operating at criticality. More importantly, we show that even at the presence of other sources of spike irregularity, being at criticality maximizes the mean coefficient of variation of neurons, thereby maximizing their spike irregularity. Furthermore, we also show that such a maximized irregularity results in maximum correlation between neuronal firing rates and their corresponding spike irregularity (measured in terms of CV. On the one hand, using a model in the universality class of directed percolation, we propose new hallmarks of criticality at single-unit level, which could be applicable to any network of excitable nodes. On the other hand, given the controversy of the neural criticality hypothesis, we discuss the limitation of this approach to neural systems and to what degree they support the criticality hypothesis in real neural networks. Finally

Critical transport current in granular high temperature superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bogolyubov, N.A.

1999-01-01

The temperature and size dependence of the critical current in a zero magnetic field of three bismuth-based ceramic samples with round cross section and one sample with rectangular triangle cross section have been studied by a contactless technique. It is shown that the critical current can be presented as a product of the temperature and size dependent factors. The temperature-dependent multiplier reflects the individual peculiarities of the Josephson net of each sample, while the size factor is a homogeneous function of the cross-section sizes. The index of this function is independent of the cross-section form, the temperature and individual properties of HTSC samples. The radial distribution of critical current density in round samples and dependence of the critical current density on the magnetic conduction in granular HTSC have been found from the analysis of experimental data

Fabrication of Ba-K-Bi-O thick film artefacts with improved critical currents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moore, J.C.; Salter, C.J.; Jenkins, R.J.; Grovenor, C.R.M.; Jones, H.

1993-01-01

The Ba-K-Bi-O system has a maximum T c of around 30K for a composition of Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 . Fabrication of good quality single phase samples is extremely difficult and requires careful control of the fabrication conditions. Successful synthesis procedures for Ba-K-Bi-O powder and melt cast material which allow some control of the potassium content of the product were established by Hinks et al. The process is based on a melt and sinter step in an inert atmosphere which creates oxygen vacancies and allows potassium to enter the lattice. The oxygen vacancies are then filled by a subsequent oxygen anneal to obtain superconductivity. Ba-K-Bi-O is, therefore, metastable and consequently difficult to synthesise. There have been few reports of transport measurements and even fewer reports of transport critical currents for bulk material. It is often accepted that Ba-K-Bi-O has an intrinsically low critical current, and extremely poor critical current densities of 0.05 Acm -2 have been quoted for melt cast material. It has been suggested that the presence of weak links is the cause. However, there has been little research into the relationship between process conditions and superconducting properties for melt processed Ba-K-Bi-O to confirm this. (orig.)

Critical current enhancement in high Tc superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jin, S.; Graebner, J.E.; Tiefel, T.H.

1990-01-01

Progress toward major technological applications of the bulk, high T c superconductors has been hindered by two major barriers, i.e., the Josephson weak-links at grain boundaries and the lack of sufficient intragrain flux pinning. It has been demonstrated that the weak link problem can be overcome by extreme alignment of grains such as in melt-textured-growth (MTG) materials. Modified or improved processing by various laboratories has produced further increased critical currents. However, the insufficient flux pinning seems to limit the critical current density in high fields to about 10 4 --10 5 A/cm 2 at 77K, which is not satisfactory for many applications. In this paper, processing, microstructure, and critical current behavior of the MTG type superconductors are described, and various processing possibilities for flux pinning enhancement are discussed

Critical-state model for the determination of critical currents in disk-shaped superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Frankel, D.J.

1979-01-01

A series of experiments has been carried out on the flux trapping and shielding capabilities of a flat strip of Nb-Ti/Cu composite material. A circular piece of material from the strip was tested in a uniform field directed perpendicularly to the surface of the sample. Profiles of the normal component of the field along the sample diameter were measured. The critical-state model was adapted for this geometry and proved capable of reproducing the measured field profiles. Model curves agreed well with experimental field profiles generated when the full sample was in the critical state, when only a portion of the sample was in the critical state, and when profiles were obtained after the direction of the rate change of the magnetic field was reversed. The adaption of the critical-state model to disk geometry provides a possible method either to derive values of the critical current from measurements of field profiles above thin flat samples, or to predict the trapping and shielding behavior of such samples if the critical current is already known. This method of determining critical currents does not require that samples be formed into narrow strips or wires, as is required for direct measurements of J/sub c/, or into tubes or cylinders, as is usually required for magnetization-type measurements. Only a relatively small approximately circular piece of material is needed. The method relies on induced currents, so there is no need to pass large currents into the sample. The field-profile measurements are easily performed with expensive Hall probes and do not require detection of the resistive transition of the superconductor

The effect of aging on the critical current density in superconducting Nb-Ti-Zr alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishida, Fumihiko; Doi, Toshio

1979-01-01

The effect of aging temperature, cold-reduction prior to aging, O 2 content and composition on the variation in the critical current density, J sub(c), by isothermal aging was investigated in heavily cold-worked Nb-Ti-Zr alloys on the Nb-Ti side. The results are summarized as follows: (1) When these alloys are aged isothermally at temperatures from 350 to 500 0 C, J sub(c) increases initially, reaches a maximum value and then decreases. Increase in J sub(c) of three orders of magnitude is possible as a result of aging. (2) The maximum value of J sub(c) on the isothermal aging curve becomes higher at a lower aging temperature, at a less cold-reduction prior to aging or with a higher O 2 content. (3) The J sub(c) of aged alloy becomes a maximum in composition containing 35 at%Nb, 60 to 65 at%Ti and less than 5 at%Zr. (4) The maximum value of J sub(c) was obtained for Nb-60.0 at%Ti-5.0 at%Zr alloy containing 1200 wt ppm O 2 , aged at 350 0 C for 330 h after 98.44% cold-reduction. The values of J sub(c) at 4.2 K were 2.4 x 10 9 A/m 2 at 5.0 T, 1.1 x 10 9 A/m 2 at 7.0 T and 3.0 x 10 8 A/m 2 at 9.0 T, respectively. The upper critical field of this specimen was 11.3 T at 4.2 K and its critical temperature was 8.6 K. (author)

Model for the resistive critical current transition in composite superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Warnes, W.H.

1988-01-01

Much of the research investigating technological type-II superconducting composites relies on the measurement of the resistive critical current transition. We have developed a model for the resistive transition which improves on older models by allowing for the very different nature of monofilamentary and multifilamentary composite structures. The monofilamentary model allows for axial current flow around critical current weak links in the superconducting filament. The multifilamentary model incorporates an additional radial current transfer between neighboring filaments. The development of both models is presented. It is shown that the models are useful for extracting more information from the experimental data than was formerly possible. Specific information obtainable from the experimental voltage-current characteristic includes the distribution of critical currents in the composite, the average critical current of the distribution, the range of critical currents in the composite, the field and temperature dependence of the distribution, and the fraction of the composite dissipating energy in flux flow at any current. This additional information about the distribution of critical currents may be helpful in leading toward a better understanding of flux pinning in technological superconductors. Comparison of the models with several experiments is given and shown to be in reasonable agreement. Implications of the models for the measurement of critical currents in technological composites is presented and discussed with reference to basic flux pinning studies in such composites

The critical current of superconductors: an historical review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dew-Hughes, D.

2001-01-01

The most important practical characteristic of a superconductor is its critical current density. This article traces the history, both of the experimental discoveries and of the development of the theoretical ideas that have lead to the understanding of those factors that control critical current densities. These include Silsbee's hypothesis, the Meissner effect, London, Ginsburg-Landau and Abrikosov theories, flux pinning and the critical state, and the control of texture in high temperature superconductors

Maximum permissible voltage of YBCO coated conductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wen, J.; Lin, B.; Sheng, J.; Xu, J.; Jin, Z. [Department of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai (China); Hong, Z., E-mail: zhiyong.hong@sjtu.edu.cn [Department of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai (China); Wang, D.; Zhou, H.; Shen, X.; Shen, C. [Qingpu Power Supply Company, State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, Shanghai (China)

2014-06-15

Highlights: • We examine three kinds of tapes’ maximum permissible voltage. • We examine the relationship between quenching duration and maximum permissible voltage. • Continuous I{sub c} degradations under repetitive quenching where tapes reaching maximum permissible voltage. • The relationship between maximum permissible voltage and resistance, temperature. - Abstract: Superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) could reduce short circuit currents in electrical power system. One of the most important thing in developing SFCL is to find out the maximum permissible voltage of each limiting element. The maximum permissible voltage is defined as the maximum voltage per unit length at which the YBCO coated conductors (CC) do not suffer from critical current (I{sub c}) degradation or burnout. In this research, the time of quenching process is changed and voltage is raised until the I{sub c} degradation or burnout happens. YBCO coated conductors test in the experiment are from American superconductor (AMSC) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). Along with the quenching duration increasing, the maximum permissible voltage of CC decreases. When quenching duration is 100 ms, the maximum permissible of SJTU CC, 12 mm AMSC CC and 4 mm AMSC CC are 0.72 V/cm, 0.52 V/cm and 1.2 V/cm respectively. Based on the results of samples, the whole length of CCs used in the design of a SFCL can be determined.

Maximum field capability of energy saver superconducting magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turkot, F.; Cooper, W.E.; Hanft, R.; McInturff, A.

1983-01-01

At an energy of 1 TeV the superconducting cable in the Energy Saver dipole magnets will be operating at ca. 96% of its nominal short sample limit; the corresponding number in the quadrupole magnets will be 81%. All magnets for the Saver are individually tested for maximum current capability under two modes of operation; some 900 dipoles and 275 quadrupoles have now been measured. The dipole winding is composed of four individually wound coils which in general come from four different reels of cable. As part of the magnet fabrication quality control a short piece of cable from both ends of each reel has its critical current measured at 5T and 4.3K. In this paper the authors describe and present the statistical results of the maximum field tests (including quench and cycle) on Saver dipole and quadrupole magnets and explore the correlation of these tests with cable critical current

The dependence of critical current density of GdFeCo layer on composition of thermally assisted STT-RAM

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, B.; Zhu, J.; Liu, K.; Yang, L.; Han, J.

2017-07-01

Amorphous rare earth-transitional metal (RETM) GdFeCo memory layer with RE- and TM-rich compositions was fabricated in stacks of GdFeCo (10 nm)/Cu (3 nm)/[Co(0.2 nm)/Pd(0.4 nm)]6. Their magnetic properties and spin transfer torque (STT) switching of magnetization were investigated. The maximum magneto-resistance (MR) was around 0.24% for the TM-rich Gd21.4 (Fe90Co10)78.6 memory layer and was -0.03% for the RE-rich Gd29.0 (Fe90Co10)71.0 memory layer. The critical current densities Jc to switch the GdFeCo memory layers are in the range of 1.4 × 107 A/cm2-4.5 × 107 A/cm2. The dependence of critical current density Jc and effective anisotropy constant Keff on Gd composition were also investigated. Both Jc and Keff have maximum values in the Gd composition range from 21-29 at.%, suitable for thermally assisted STT-RAM for storage density exceeding Gb/inch2.

Correlation of superconductor strand, cable, and dipole critical currents in CBA magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tannenbaum, M.J.; Garber, M.; Sampson, W.B.

1982-01-01

A calibration between vendor critical current data for 0.0268'' diameter superconductor strand supplied to Fermilab, and the BNL 10 -12 Ωcm critical current specification is presented. Vendor critical current data for over 400 Fermilab type billets are shown, both as supplied by the vendor and converted to BNL units. Predictions of cable critical current are made using the sum of the critical currents of the 23 strands, where all strands from the same half billet are assigned the same critical current. The measured critical current shows excellent correlation to the predicted value and is approximately 14 +- 2 percent below it. Colliding Beam Accelerator (CBA) full length dipoles reach the conductor critical current limit, essentially without training. Magnet performance is predictable from the measured critical current of a short sample of cable to within 2%

Variation of local critical current and its influence on overall current of bent multifilamentary Bi2223/Ag tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S.; Doko, D.; Rokkaku, H.; Fujimoto, M.; Okuda, H.; Hojo, M.; Tanaka, M.; Sugano, M.; Osamura, K.; Mimura, M.

2006-01-01

The correlation between the local and overall currents in a multifilamentary Bi2223/Ag/Ag alloy composite tape under bending strain was studied. The correlation of the measured distributed local critical current and n-value to overall critical current was described comprehensively with a voltage summation model that regards the overall sample to be composed of a series circuit. The analysis of the measured critical current and n-value revealed that the distribution of local critical current could be described with the Weibull distribution function and the n-value could be expressed as a function of critical current as a first approximation. By combining the Weibull distribution function of the local critical current, the empirical formula of the n-value as a function of critical current, voltage summation model and Monte Carlo method, the overall current and n-value could be predicted fairly well from those of local elements

Critical current studies of a HTS rectangular coil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhong, Z. [Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom); Chudy, M., E-mail: Michal.chudy@stuba.sk [Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria (South Africa); Institute of Power and Applied Electrical Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (Slovakia); Ruiz, H.S. [Department of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH (United Kingdom); Zhang, X.; Coombs, T. [Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

2017-05-15

Highlights: • Unique square pancake coil was manufactured. • Measurements in relatively high magnetic field were performed. • Different sections of the coil were characterized. • Parts of the coil which are limiting critical current were identified. - Abstract: Nowadays, superconducting high field magnets are used in numerous applications due to their superior properties. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are usually used for production of circular pancake or racetrack coils. However different geometries of HTS coils might be required for some specific applications. In this study, the HTS coil wound on a rectangular frame was fully characterized in homogeneous DC background field. The study contains measurements of critical current angular dependencies. The critical current of the entire coil and two selected strands under different magnitudes and orientations of external magnetic fields are measured. The critical regions of the coil in different angular regimes are determined. This study brings better understanding of the in- field performance of HTS coils wound on frames with right-angles.

To the elementary theory of critical (maximum) flow rate of two-phase mixture in channels with various sections

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nigmatulin, B.I.; Soplenkov, K.I.

1978-01-01

On the basis of the concepts of two-phase dispersive flow with various structures (bubble, vapour-drop etc) in the framework of the two-speed and two-temperature one-dimension stationary model of the current with provision for phase transitions the conditions, under which a critical (maximum) flow rate of two-phase mixture is achieved during its outflowing from a channel with the pre-set geometry, have been determined. It is shown, that for the choosen set of two-phase flow equations with the known parameters of deceleration and structure one of the critical conditions is satisfied: either solution of the set of equations corresponding a critical flow rate is a special one, i.e. passes through a special point locating between minimum and outlet channel sections where the carrying phase velocity approaches the value of decelerated sound speed in the mixture or the determinator of the initial set of equations equals zero for the outlet channel sections, i.e. gradients of the main flow parameters tend to +-infinity in this section, and carrying phase velocity also approaches the value of the decelerated sound velocity in the mixture

Critical current density and upper critical field of the PbMo6S8 Chevrel phase

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seeber, B.; Decroux, M.; Fischer, O.

1988-01-01

A detailed discussion of critical current density and upper critical field for PbMo 6 S 8 (PMS) is given. It is shown that PMS bulk as well as wire samples can be prepared with sufficient quality to observe the scaling law for the volume pinning force. Using the scaling law an estimation for the critical current density as a function of field and temperature was made. The study also indicates that a substantial improvement of the critical current density can be expected by optimizing the upper critical field without changing the microstructure. It is shown that the availability of high quality samples of EuMo 6 S 8 , to which PMS is similar, makes it possible to study separately the different physical parameters which determine the upper critical field in PMS

In silico optimization of critical currents in superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kimmel, Gregory; Sadovskyy, Ivan A.; Glatz, Andreas

2017-07-01

For many technological applications of superconductors the performance of a material is determined by the highest current it can carry losslessly-the critical current. In turn, the critical current can be controlled by adding nonsuperconducting defects in the superconductor matrix. Here we report on systematic comparison of different local and global optimization strategies to predict optimal structures of pinning centers leading to the highest possible critical currents. We demonstrate performance of these methods for a superconductor with randomly placed spherical, elliptical, and columnar defects.

Simulation of the d.c. critical current in superconducting sintered ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Riedinger, R.; Habig, P.; Hlil, E.K.; Arnaud, M.; Boulesteix, C.

1990-01-01

The new superconducting high-T c sintered ceramics can be described in some case as a lattice of interconnected rods, in other cases as a more or less random packing of parallelepiped crystallites; their size is about a few microns. The d.c. critical current at zero voltage of such a material is not related to the critical current of the bulk material, but to its granular structure. Indeed, the critical current between two adjacent cells is governed by the critical current of the weak link between them; this link behaves within some limits as a Josephson junction, the critical current of which is known. For our present problem, the system can be modeled as a lattice of Josephson junctions. We present here results for the d.c. critical current at zero voltage of lattices of identical Josephson junctions in two dimensions. The influence of the finiteness of size of the sample is examined. The relationship with normal conductivity simulations and percolation is discussed

Critical Assessment of the Surface Tension determined by the Maximum Pressure Bubble Method

OpenAIRE

Benedetto, Franco Emmanuel; Zolotucho, Hector; Prado, Miguel Oscar

2015-01-01

The main factors that influence the value of surface tension of a liquid measured with the Maximum Pressure Bubble Method are critically evaluated. We present experimental results showing the effect of capillary diameter, capillary depth, bubble spheroidicity and liquid density at room temperature. We show that the decrease of bubble spheroidicity due to increase of capillary immersion depth is not sufficient to explain the deviations found in the measured surface tension values. Thus, we pro...

Thermal instability and current-voltage scaling in superconducting fault current limiters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeimetz, B [Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Cambridge University, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB1 3QZ (United Kingdom); Tadinada, K [Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 1PZ (United Kingdom); Eves, D E [Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 1PZ (United Kingdom); Coombs, T A [Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 1PZ (United Kingdom); Evetts, J E [Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Cambridge University, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB1 3QZ (United Kingdom); Campbell, A M [Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 1PZ (United Kingdom)

2004-04-01

We have developed a computer model for the simulation of resistive superconducting fault current limiters in three dimensions. The program calculates the electromagnetic and thermal response of a superconductor to a time-dependent overload voltage, with different possible cooling conditions for the surfaces, and locally variable superconducting and thermal properties. We find that the cryogen boil-off parameters critically influence the stability of a limiter. The recovery time after a fault increases strongly with thickness. Above a critical thickness, the temperature is unstable even for a small applied AC voltage. The maximum voltage and maximum current during a short fault are correlated by a simple exponential law.

Critical power for lower hybrid current drive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Assis, A.S. de; Sakanaka, P.H.; Azevedo, C.A. de; Busnardo-Neto, J.

1995-11-01

We have solved numerically the quasilinear Fokker-Planck equation which models the critical power for lower hybrid wave current drive. An exact value for the critical power necessary for current saturation, for tokamak current drive experiments, has been obtained. The nonlinear treatment presented here leads to a final profile for the parallel distribution function which is a plateau only in a part of the resonance region. This form of the distribution function is intermediate between two well known results: a plateau throughout the resonance region for the linear strong-source regime, D wave >> D coll and no plateau at all in the resonance region the linear weak-source regimen, D wave coll . The strength of the external power source and the value of the dc electric field are treated as given parameters in the integration scheme. (author). 24 refs, 6 figs

Heat treatment effect on the strain dependence of the critical current for an internal-tin processed Nb3Sn strand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oh, Sangjun; Park, Soo-Hyeon; Lee, Chulhee; Choi, Heekyung; Kim, Keeman

2010-01-01

A comparative study on the effects of heat treatment, especially, the duration of the A15 reaction temperature plateau on the strain dependence of the critical current for an internal-tin processed Nb 3 Sn strand has been carried out. The strain dependence of the critical current is measured by a variable temperature Walter spiral probe that we have developed. It was shown that prolonged heat treatment can be a very effective way to improve the strain dependency. For a quantitative analysis, the measured data were analyzed with various proposed scaling laws: the scaling law based on strong-coupling theory, the modified deviatoric strain scaling law, and the interpolative scaling law. We found that there is a slight increase in the critical temperature and a substantial improvement in the maximum pinning force. The origin of improved strain dependency is further discussed.

Influence of self-field on the critical current of Bi-2223/Ag tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lehtonen, Jorma; Korpela, Aki; Nah, Wansoo; Kang, Joonsun; Kovac, Pavol; Melisek, Tibor

2004-01-01

The knowledge of critical current density in a superconducting wire is essential in order to compute AC losses. In HTS tapes the critical current density is difficult to estimate from the measured critical current because self-field tends to reduce the current carrying capacity. In this paper the critical current is measured with a single sample and with two similar samples connected in antiparallel in order to compensate the self-field. Both types of measurement are simulated with finite element method. The simulations help to understand the relation between the measured critical current and material properties. The results suggest that in a high quality tape the self-field effect reduced the measured critical current ∼25% if compared to the real critical current at the zero external field

The influence of tensile strain to critical current of Bi2223 composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mukai, Y.; Shin, J.K.; Ochiai, S.; Okuda, H.; Sugano, M.; Osamura, K.

2008-01-01

As the stress-induced damage evolution is different from position to position in the sample, the local critical current is scattered in a sample, affecting on the overall current. The present work aimed to describe the distribution of local critical current and its relation to overall critical current under tensile stress for Bi2223/Ag superconducting composite tape. In the experiment, seven voltage probes were attached in a step of 10 mm. The local critical current and n-value at 77 K under various applied stress levels were measured for a voltage probe distance 10 mm and the overall ones for a probe distance 60 mm. Main results are summarized as follows. The overall critical current and n-value were described well by using the voltage summation model in which the sample was regarded as a one dimensional series circuit. For the low applied stress, the distribution of local critical current was described with the three parameter Weibull distribution function. Using the measured distribution of the local critical current, an experimental relation of critical current to n-value and the voltage summation model, and applying the Monte Carlo method, the overall critical current was predicted, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on these results, the sample length dependence of critical current of the sample damaged by tensile stress was discussed

Critical current changes and fatique damage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fisher, E.S.; Kim, S.H.

1976-01-01

A facility for investigating the effects of cyclic strains on the current-voltage relation (I-V plots) in a superconducting composite has been constructed as part of the conductor test program directed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the Tokamak Experimental Power Reactor. The initial results for a ribbon composite containing 18 Nb--Ti twisted filaments in copper showed three effects: (1) a 3 percent decrease in I/sub c/ at 40 kOe during the initial 200 cycles at 0.35 percent maximum strain amplitude, (2) current sharing between filaments and copper at I less than I/sub c/ after cycling with maximum strain increased to 0.57 percent and (3) voltage steps at I greater than I/sub c/ after 400 cycles with 0.57 percent strain amplitude. The first effect is consistent with I/sub c/ measurements in unidirectional testing and appears to be associated with elastic strain fields. The third effect, the voltage steps at I greater than I/sub c/ introduced by the higher strain amplitudes, decreased very significantly with increasing magnetic field and disappeared at H greater than 40 kOe. A Nb 3 Sn composite fractured during tension-compression cycling, but no damage occurred in 3800 load-unload cycles at strains up to 0.2 percent

Correlations between critical current density, j{sub c}, critical temperature, T{sub c}, and structural quality of Y{sub 1}B{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x} thin superconducting films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chrzanowski, J.; Xing, W.B.; Atlan, D. [Simon Fraser Univ., British Columbia (Canada)] [and others

1994-12-31

Correlations between critical current density (j{sub c}) critical temperature (T{sub c}) and the density of edge dislocations and nonuniform strain have been observed in YBCO thin films deposited by pulsed laser ablation on (001) LaAlO{sub 3} single crystals. Distinct maxima in j{sub c} as a function of the linewidths of the (00{ell}) Bragg reflections and as a function of the mosaic spread have been found in the epitaxial films. These maxima in j{sub c} indicate that the magnetic flux lines, in films of structural quality approaching that of single crystals, are insufficiently pinned which results in a decreased critical current density. T{sub c} increased monotonically with improving crystalline quality and approached a value characteristic of a pure single crystal. A strong correlation between j{sub c} and the density of edge dislocations N{sub D} was found. At the maximum of the critical current density the density of edge dislocations was estimated to be N{sub D}{approximately}1-2 x 10{sup 9}/cm{sup 2}.

Critical current of high Tc superconducting Bi223/Ag tapes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Huang, Y.; ten Haken, Bernard; ten Kate, Herman H.J.

1998-01-01

The magnetic field dependence of the critical current of various high Tc superconducting Bi2223/Ag tapes indicates that the transport current is carried through two paths: one is through weakly-linked grain boundaries (Josephson junctions); another is through well-connected grains. The critical

The critical current of granular superconductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ignat'ev, V.K.

1998-01-01

A mechanism of hyper vortex pinning in granular superconductors is proposed to describe the field dependence of the critical current density and pinning potential. The results are in a good agreement with the experiment. The model represents the peak effect and the percolation mechanism of conductivity in ceramic superconductors

Effect of strain on the critical-current density of Cu-Nb composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klein, J.D.; Rose, R.M.

1987-01-01

Microfilamentary superconducting composites of Nb fibers in Cu matrices prepared by the stack and draw method were tested for tensile critical-current performance at 4.2 K. The superconducting critical-current densities increased exponentially under the influence of an applied mechanical strain until the onset of Nb fiber plastic deformation. In the elastic range, the critical-current densities conformed to log 10 J/sub c/ = m (strain)+b. In several tests the critical current was increased by more than an order of magnitude by the applied strain. This behavior is consistent with an increase in the upper critical field of the Nb fibers by the applied stress

Differences between two definitions of the critical current of HTS coils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pitel, Jozef

2013-01-01

Definition of the critical current of a coil made of anisotropic high temperature superconducting conductor is rather complicated and ambiguous, since the magnetic field generated across the winding can differ considerably in relation to both its magnitude and orientation. Two definitions of the critical current of such coils are discussed. The first definition, very often used in calculations to analyze the current carrying capacity, electric field and power dissipation of individual turns, represents an operating current at which an electric field of 1 μV cm −1 appears on one turn. The second definition represents an integral approach, and is used in experiments. This definition introduces the critical current of the coil as an operating current at which an average electric field E s , usually 0.1 μV cm −1 , appears on coil terminals. As an example, the distribution of the critical current and electric field of individual turns in the winding of a BSCCO model coil was analyzed. Critical currents of the coil as a function of an external magnetic field parallel with the coil axis were calculated according to both definitions. The results show that the first definition, which characterizes the winding at the local level, is suitable for HTS coils either operating in self-field or in a low external field, because the differences between the critical currents and n-indices of individual turns are considerable. The second criterion is suitable for the HTS coils operating in high fields, i.e. like high field insert coils. The self-field of a high field insert coil is negligible if the external field is high. As a result, the critical currents of all turns are almost identical, and the anisotropy in I c (B) characteristic plays practically no role. Rather unexpected behavior of the voltage–current characteristic of the model coil is predicted if an external field is applied. (paper)

Influence of epoxy resin as encapsulation material of silicon photovoltaic cells on maximum current

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Acevedo-Gómez David

2017-01-01

Full Text Available This work presents an analysis about how the performance of silicon photovoltaic cells is influenced by the use of epoxy resin as encapsulation material with flat roughness. The effect of encapsulation on current at maximum power of mono-crystalline cell was tested indoor in a solar simulator bench at 1000 w/m² and AM1.5G. The results show that implementation of flat roughness layer onto cell surface reduces the maximum current inducing on average 2.7% less power with respect to a cell before any encapsulation. The losses of power and, in consequence, the less production of energy are explained by resin light absorption, reflection and partially neutralization of non-reflective coating.

Critical current of pure SNS junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Golub, A.A.; Bezzub, O.P.

1982-01-01

Boundary conditions at the superconductor-normal metal interface are determined, taking into account the differences in the effective masses and the density of states of the metals constituting the transition and assumed to be pure. The potential barrier of the interface is chosen to be zero. The critical current of the junction is calculated [ru

Strain reduced critical current in Bi-2223/Ag superconductors under axial tension and compression

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haken, B. ten; Godeke, A.; Kate, H.H.J. ten

1997-01-01

The critical current of Ag sheathed Bi(Pb)SrCaCuO-2223 tape conductors is investigated as a function of various strain components. A reduction of the critical current occurs due to both tensile or a compressive strain. The critical current reduction is qualitatively similar with the results as observed in Bi-2212 conductors. An axial compression leads to an immediate critical current reduction. The critical current in an axially elongated sample remains nearly constant up to a certain limit typically close to 0.3% strain. For a larger elongation the critical current reduces rapidly. A transverse pressure acting on the tape surface leads also to an irreversible critical current reduction. This behavior is compared with the influence of an axial compression with an effective Young's modulus. The deformation induced critical current reductions in Bi-2223 conductors can be described by a model that is already proposed for Bi-2212 conductors. This model is based on the irreversible nature of the critical current reduction due to a certain deformation

Further investigations of the upper critical field and the high field critical current density in Nb-Ti and its alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hawksworth, D.G.; Larbalestier, D.C.

1980-09-01

This paper reports further measurements of Hc 2 in the Nb-Ti-Ta and Nb-Ti-Hf systems. Whilst we find only small enhancements of approx. 0.3 Tesla in μ 0 Hc 2 (4.2 0 K) compared to binary Nb-Ti, at 2 0 K there is a wide composition range in the Nb-Ti-Ta system where μ 0 Hc 2 (2 0 K) exceeds 15 Tesla, reaching a maximum of 15.5 Tesla. This represents an enhancement of 1.3 Tesla over unalloyed Nb-Ti. By comparison alloys in the Nb-Ti-Hf system show a maximum enhancement in μ 0 Hc 2 (2 0 K) of only 0.3 Tesla. The reasons both for the enhancements in Hc 2 and for the differences in behavior shown by alloys containing Ta and Hf are briefly discussed. This paper also discusses common features in the behavior of the high field critical current density, J/sub c/, of four commercial Nb-Ti composites and upon the basis of this behavior predict the enhancements in high field J/sub c/ to be expected from using Nb-Ti-Ta and its alloys

Critical current properties in superconducting melt processed Y-Ba-Cu-O

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsushita, Teruo

1993-01-01

The critical current density in bulk superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O has been remarkably improved by employing the so-called melt process. However, its value is still far below those reported in single-crystalline thin films. Important key factors that determine the critical current density are the flux pinning mechanism and defective structures such as cracks or weak links. In this article, these factors in melt-processed Y-Ba-Cu-O are argued from various measurements of the critical current density on the microstructure dependence, the magnetic field dependence, the temperature dependence, the history effect, the longitudinal field effect and the imaginary ac susceptibility. As for the pinning mechanism, it is concluded that the dominant pinning centers in the high temperature region around 77 K are normal 211 (Y 2 BaCuO 5 ) particles, while small defects such as lattice defects or oxygen deficiencies seem to be dominant in the lower temperature region. It is suggested that much finer normal particles should be introduced in order to improve the critical current density especially at higher temperatures. From the rapid decrease of the critical current density with elevating temperature below 30 K, some kind of weak links are considered to still remain in these materials. However, the observed critical current density did not depend on the history of application of the magnetic field and a large enhancement of the critical current density was observed in the longitudinal field geometry at 4.2 K. These results suggest that the weak links in these materials are of much different kind from those at large angle grain boundaries in sintered polycrystalline materials. From the X-ray diffraction measurements, a domain structure of a mean domain size of about 100 μm was found. These domain boundaries may cause weak links in melt-processed Y-Ba-Cu-O. It is also shown that the typical size of channels of flowing current can be obtained by the imaginary ac susceptibility

Stress induced degradation of critical currents in filamentary Nb3Sn

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McDougall, I.L.

1976-01-01

An investigation of the critical stress and strain values of bronze, Nb 3 Sn composites at 4.2 K has been made with simultaneous determination of critical currents in a field of 2.5 Tesla. Evidence of grain boundary microcrack formation has been found associated with reversible degradation of critical current. At a critical strain characteristic of the composite geometry these cracks propagate to give a GB fracture network. A compound with a small grain size formed at low temperatures has the best mechanical properties with a critical strain to the onset of reversible degradation of about 0.5%. (author)

30 CFR 75.601-3 - Short circuit protection; dual element fuses; current ratings; maximum values.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Short circuit protection; dual element fuses... Trailing Cables § 75.601-3 Short circuit protection; dual element fuses; current ratings; maximum values. Dual element fuses having adequate current-interrupting capacity shall meet the requirements for short...

Critical unpairing currents in narrow niobium films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gershenzon, M.E.; Gubankov, V.N.

1979-01-01

Investigated are the dependences of critical currents of narrow ( with the width of W=0.5-15 μm) superconducting niobium films on temperature and a magnetic field. The proposed method of film production with the width of the 1μm order and with small edge inhomogeneities ((<=500 A) permitted to realize the Ginsburg-Landau unpairing currents in the wide range of temperatures. The correct comparison with the theory showed that the unpairing currents are observed if W(< or approximately) 2delta, where delta is the effective depth of the penetration of the perpendicular magnetic field

Critical current measurements of high-temperature superconducting short samples at a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Hongjun; Liu, Huajun; Liu, Fang; Zhang, Huahui; Ci, Lu; Shi, Yi; Lei, Lei

2018-01-01

High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) are potential materials for high-field magnets, low-loss transmission cables, and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) due to their high upper critical magnetic field (Hc2) and critical temperature (Tc). The critical current (Ic) of HTS, which is one of the most important parameters for superconductor application, depends strongly on the magnetic fields and temperatures. A new Ic measurement system that can carry out accurate Ic measurement for HTS short samples with various temperatures (4.2-80 K), magnetic fields (0-14 T), and angles of the magnetic field (0°-90°) has been developed. The Ic measurement system mainly consists of a measurement holder, temperature-control system, background magnet, test cryostat, data acquisition system, and DC power supply. The accuracy of temperature control is better than ±0.1 K over the 20-80 K range and ±0.05 K when measured below 20 K. The maximum current is over 1000 A with a measurement uncertainty of 1%. The system had been successfully used for YBa2Cu3O7-x(YBCO) tapes Ic determination with different temperatures and magnetic fields.

Critical current measurements of high-temperature superconducting short samples at a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Hongjun; Liu, Huajun; Liu, Fang; Zhang, Huahui; Ci, Lu; Shi, Yi; Lei, Lei

2018-01-01

High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) are potential materials for high-field magnets, low-loss transmission cables, and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) due to their high upper critical magnetic field (H c2 ) and critical temperature (T c ). The critical current (I c ) of HTS, which is one of the most important parameters for superconductor application, depends strongly on the magnetic fields and temperatures. A new I c measurement system that can carry out accurate I c measurement for HTS short samples with various temperatures (4.2-80 K), magnetic fields (0-14 T), and angles of the magnetic field (0°-90°) has been developed. The I c measurement system mainly consists of a measurement holder, temperature-control system, background magnet, test cryostat, data acquisition system, and DC power supply. The accuracy of temperature control is better than ±0.1 K over the 20-80 K range and ±0.05 K when measured below 20 K. The maximum current is over 1000 A with a measurement uncertainty of 1%. The system had been successfully used for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x (YBCO) tapes I c determination with different temperatures and magnetic fields.

Maximum Bandwidth Enhancement of Current Mirror using Series-Resistor and Dynamic Body Bias Technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V. Niranjan

2014-09-01

Full Text Available This paper introduces a new approach for enhancing the bandwidth of a low voltage CMOS current mirror. The proposed approach is based on utilizing body effect in a MOS transistor by connecting its gate and bulk terminals together for signal input. This results in boosting the effective transconductance of MOS transistor along with reduction of the threshold voltage. The proposed approach does not affect the DC gain of the current mirror. We demonstrate that the proposed approach features compatibility with widely used series-resistor technique for enhancing the current mirror bandwidth and both techniques have been employed simultaneously for maximum bandwidth enhancement. An important consequence of using both techniques simultaneously is the reduction of the series-resistor value for achieving the same bandwidth. This reduction in value is very attractive because a smaller resistor results in smaller chip area and less noise. PSpice simulation results using 180 nm CMOS technology from TSMC are included to prove the unique results. The proposed current mirror operates at 1Volt consuming only 102 µW and maximum bandwidth extension ratio of 1.85 has been obtained using the proposed approach. Simulation results are in good agreement with analytical predictions.

Critical potentials, leptons, and weak currents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, P.F.; Lewin, J.D.

1977-12-01

A theoretical study is made of the interaction of very strong localised electromagnetic potentials with charged leptons, and with the vacuum state. The principal objective is to investigate the phenomena which occur when the potential reaches or exceeds the critical value at which bound levels are drawn into the lower continuum. The behaviour of bound and continuum solutions of the Dirac equation for the specific model of a short range potential well in an arbitrarily large bounded volume is examined in detail. Vacuum polarisation effects are computed by summation over the infinite set of single particle levels, and special attention is given to the behaviour of the overall charge distribution as the potential strength increases through the critical value. The most significant features of the results are (a) the formation of highly localised electron or muon bound states, (b) similar critical potential strengths for electrons and muons, and (c) redefinition of the vacuum by one charge unit at the critical potential. These features are analogous to some properties of leptonic and hadronic weak currents, and the hypothesis is proposed that strong short range potentials may provide a possible mediating mechanism for the weak interaction and also a lepton confinement mechanism within the structure of hadrons. (author)

On the critical current of ionisation waves in gas discharges

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, M.

1982-01-01

Measurement methods for determining the critical current of ionisation waves in gas discharge tubes are examined in detail. The conventional visual method which finds the current at which the waves disappear is erroneous since the criterion, 'observable', depends on the observing conditions. In the rigorous method it is defined as a current at which the linear growth rate of waves is zero. For the measured upper critical (Pupp) current of argon gas, close agreement is found between the results of other workers and those of the present author over a wide range of pressure-radius product 0.3 approximately equal to 60 Torr cm. (author)

Microstructure and critical current density in high-Tc metal oxide superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johnson, S.M.; Gusman, M.I.

1992-03-01

Superconductor powders in the U-Ba-Cu-O (YBCO) and Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BSCCO) systems were synthesized by freeze-drying. Powders were characterized, and processed into samples for evaluation of superconducting behavior. Freeze-drying is attractive because the powders have high purity, are homogeneous, have a small size and are active. YBCO powders can be sintered to high density at 890 degrees C. Many compositions, processing approaches and heat treatments were explored in an effort to understand relations between microstructure and critical density, and to improve the critical current density. Powders were also formed into sputtering targets for coating preparation at Stanford University. The highest critical current density achieved with the YBCO powders was ∼15,000 A/cm 2 at 4.2K and 0.5T using powders treated to prevent carbon contamination. The BSCCO materials with the highest critical current density, ∼30,000 A/cm 2 at the same conditions were formed by heat treating melted and quenched samples. All critical current density measurements were made by Stanford University, a subcontractor to this effort. Stanford University also prepared coatings by off-axis magnetron sputtering

Technique of Critical Current Density Measurement of Bulk Superconductor with Linear Extrapolation Method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adi, Wisnu Ari; Sukirman, Engkir; Winatapura, Didin S.

2000-01-01

Technique of critical current density measurement (Jc) of HTc bulk ceramic superconductor has been performed by using linear extrapolation with four-point probes method. The measurement of critical current density HTc bulk ceramic superconductor usually causes damage in contact resistance. In order to decrease this damage factor, we introduce extrapolation method. The extrapolating data show that the critical current density Jc for YBCO (123) and BSCCO (2212) at 77 K are 10,85(6) Amp.cm - 2 and 14,46(6) Amp.cm - 2, respectively. This technique is easier, simpler, and the use of the current flow is low, so it will not damage the contact resistance of the sample. We expect that the method can give a better solution for bulk superconductor application. Key words. : superconductor, critical temperature, and critical current density

Critical currents of variable thickness bridges

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lapir, G.M.; Likharev, K.K.; Maslova, L.A.; Semenov, V.K.

1975-01-01

A variable thickness bridge (VTB) is a short strip of thin normal or superconducting electrodes - 'banks'. This type of weak link has the peculiarity of having the changes of the modulus of the orderparameter localized in the film of the bridge. Only changes of the phase of the orderparameter take place in the banks, and so the electrodynamics of the banks is linear. The problem of the distribution of the linear density of current Jsub(s)(psi) and of the phase difference of the banks psi along the VTB width is considered and the critical current Isub(c) for the important case of a VTB deposited over a superconducting ground plate - 'screen' is calculated. (Auth.)

Oscillation of Critical Current by Gate Voltage in Cooper Pair Transistor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, N.; Cheong, Y.; Song, W.

2010-01-01

We measured the critical current of a Cooper pair transistor consisting of two Josephson junctions and a gate electrode. The Cooper pair transistors were fabricated by using electron-beam lithography and double-angle evaporation technique. The Gate voltage dependence of critical current was measured by observing voltage jumps at various gate voltages while sweeping bias current. The observed oscillation was 2e-periodic, which shows the Cooper pair transistor had low level of quasiparticle poisoning.

Distribution of local critical current along sample length and its relation to overall current in a long Bi2223/Ag superconducting composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S; Doko, D; Okuda, H; Oh, S S; Ha, D W

2006-01-01

The distribution of the local critical current and the n-value along the sample length and its relation to the overall critical current were studied experimentally and analytically for the bent multifilamentary Bi2223/Ag/Ag-Mg alloy superconducting composite tape. Then, based on the results, it was attempted to simulate on a computer the dependence of the critical current on the sample length. The main results are summarized as follows. The experimentally observed relation of the distributed local critical current and n-value to the overall critical current was described comprehensively with a simple voltage summation model, in which the sample was regarded as a one-dimensional series circuit. The sample length dependence of the critical current was reproduced on the computer by a Monte Carlo simulation incorporating the voltage summation model and the regression analysis results for the local critical current distribution and the relation of the n-value to the critical current

Maximum likelihood estimation of biophysical parameters of synaptic receptors from macroscopic currents

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrey eStepanyuk

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Dendritic integration and neuronal firing patterns strongly depend on biophysical properties of synaptic ligand-gated channels. However, precise estimation of biophysical parameters of these channels in their intrinsic environment is complicated and still unresolved problem. Here we describe a novel method based on a maximum likelihood approach that allows to estimate not only the unitary current of synaptic receptor channels but also their multiple conductance levels, kinetic constants, the number of receptors bound with a neurotransmitter and the peak open probability from experimentally feasible number of postsynaptic currents. The new method also improves the accuracy of evaluation of unitary current as compared to the peak-scaled non-stationary fluctuation analysis, leading to a possibility to precisely estimate this important parameter from a few postsynaptic currents recorded in steady-state conditions. Estimation of unitary current with this method is robust even if postsynaptic currents are generated by receptors having different kinetic parameters, the case when peak-scaled non-stationary fluctuation analysis is not applicable. Thus, with the new method, routinely recorded postsynaptic currents could be used to study the properties of synaptic receptors in their native biochemical environment.

Critical current characteristics and history dependence in superconducting SmFeAsOF bulk

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ni, B; Ge, J; Kiuchi, M; Otabe, E S; Gao, Z; Wang, L; Qi, Y; Zhang, X; Ma, Y

2010-01-01

The superconducting SmFeAsO 1-x F x (x=0.2) polycrystalline bulks were prepared by the powder-in-tube (PIT) method. The magnetic field and temperature dependences of critical current densities in the samples were investigated by resistive and ac inductive (Campbell's) methods. It was found that a fairly large shielding current density over 10 9 A/m 2 , which is considered to correspond to the local critical current density, flows locally with the perimeter size similar to the average grain size of the bulk samples, while an extremely low transport current density of about 10 5 A/m 2 corresponding to the global critical current density flows through the whole sample. Furthermore, a unique history dependence of global critical current density was observed, i.e., it shows a smaller value in the increasing-field process than that in the decreasing-field process. The history dependence of global critical current characteristic in our case can be ascribed to the existence of the weak-link property between the grains in SmFeAsO 1-x F x bulk.

Mesoscopic fluctuations in the critical current in InAs-coupled Josephson junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takayanagi, Hideaki; Hansen, J.B.; Nitta, Junsaku

1994-01-01

Mesoscopic fluctuations were confirmed for the critical current in a p-type InAs-coupled Josephson junction. The critical current was measured as a function of the gate voltage corresponding to the change in the Fermi energy. The critical current showed a mesoscopic fluctuation and its behavior was the same as that of the conductance measured at the same time in both the weak and strong localization regimes. The magnitude and the typical period of the fluctuation are discussed and compared to theoretical predictions. ((orig.))

Processing and critical currents of high-Tc superconductor wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krauth, H.; Heine, K.; Tenbrink, J.

1991-01-01

High-Tc superconductors are expected to have a major impact on magnet and energy technology. For technical applications they have to fulfill the requirement of carrying sufficient current at a critical current density of the order of 10 5 A/cm 2 at operating temperature and magnetic field. At 77 K these values have not been achieved yet in bulk material or wires due to weak link problems and flux creep effects. Progress made so far and remaining problems will be discussed in detail concentrating on problems concerning development of technical wires. In Bi-based materials technically interesting critical current densities could be achieved at 4.2 K in fields above 20 T (1,2), rendering possible the use of such material for very high field application. (orig.)

Improvement of critical currents in Bi-2223 bulk superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eujen, R.; Brauer, D.J.; Huedepohl, J.

1991-01-01

Potential applications of the high-Tc superconductors for energy transport or high-field magnets require high critical current densities. A limiting factor in polycrystalline oxidic materials is the quality of the grain boundaries. Weak links have been made responsible for the steep decrease in the critical current density j c upon application of even weak magnetic fields of YBa CuO whereas flux creep seems to dominate the obtainable j c values for the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system (BSCCO) at 77 K. In the lead containing material (BPSCCO) the formation of a porous microstructure is enhanced by the platelike shape of the crystals. Special techniques such as powder-in-tube, hot isostatic pressing, zone melting or application of fluxes have been used in order to improve the grain contacts. A positive influence of fluxes on j c , e.g. by addition of Ca 2 CuO 3 or Ag 2 O, has been reported. In this study we have investigated the influence of various compositions and conditions on the formation of the BSCCO-2223 phase (T c ca. 107 K), the critical current density j c , and the magnet field dependence of the a.c. susceptibility. (orig.)

Non-monotonic field dependence of critical current in composite superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrianov, V.V.; Baev, V.P.; Ivanov, S.S.

1982-01-01

The nonmonotonic field dependence of critical current Im(B/sub a/ in composite superconductors is investigated experimentally for current and field varying simultaneously with final rates I and B/sub a/

Electromigration kinetics and critical current of Pb-free interconnects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lu, Minhua; Rosenberg, Robert [IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 (United States)

2014-04-07

Electromigration kinetics of Pb-free solder bump interconnects have been studied using a single bump parameter sweep technique. By removing bump to bump variations in structure, texture, and composition, the single bump sweep technique has provided both activation energy and power exponents that reflect atomic migration and interface reactions with fewer samples, shorter stress time, and better statistics than standard failure testing procedures. Contact metallurgies based on Cu and Ni have been studied. Critical current, which corresponds to the Blech limit, was found to exist in the Ni metallurgy, but not in the Cu metallurgy. A temperature dependence of critical current was also observed.

Critical current and electric transport properties of superconducting epitaxial Nb(Ti)N submicron structures

Science.gov (United States)

Klimov, A.; Słysz, W.; Guziewicz, M.; Kolkovsky, V.; Wegrzecki, M.; Bar, J.; Marchewka, M.; Seredyński, B.

2016-12-01

Critical current and current-voltage characteristics of epitaxial Nb(Ti)N submicron ultrathin structures were measured as function of temperature. For 700-nm-wide bridge we found current-driven vortex de-pinning at low temperatures and thermally activated flux flow closer to the transition temperature, as the limiting factors for the critical current density. For 100-nm-wide meander we observed combination of phase-slip activation and vortex-anti-vortex pair (VAP) thermal excitation. Our Nb(Ti)N meander structure demonstrates high de-pairing critical current densities 107 A/cm2 at low temperatures, but the critical currents are much smaller due to presence of the local constrictions.

Current distribution and enhancement of the engineering critical current density in multifilament Bi-2223 tapes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, W.G.; Jensen, M.B.; Kindl, B.

2000-01-01

The spatial distribution of the critical current density (Jc) and engineering critical current density (Je) along the tape width direction was studied by a cutting technique on Bi-2223 multifilamentary tapes. In general, an increase of Jc towards the centre of the tape was measured. We attribute...... microstructure with a great amount of secondary phases. Local variation of Jc was measured within the centre segment of the tape. This indicates the influence of other factors on Jc, such as filament shape, connectivity of the filaments, and sausaging. Enhancement of Je has been pursued in which average Je of 12...

Response to ``Comment on `Small field behavior of critical current in Y1Ba2Cu3O7 sintered samples' ''

Science.gov (United States)

Paternò, G.; Alvani, C.; Casadio, S.; Gambardella, U.; Maritato, L.

1989-05-01

In our response we would like to point out the fitting of the data has done to account for the shift of the maximum magnetic field dependence of the critical current. This shift on the order of 1 Gauss or less is gener ally observed in all our data and is attributable to the residual external field. Since we used a crude junction model, the self-field effects were not included. (AIP)

Critical current studies on fine filamentary NbTi accelerator wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garber, M.; Sabatini, R.L.; Sampson, W.B.; Suenaga, M.

1986-01-01

The magnets for the Superconducting Super Collider, a high energy proton colliding beam accelerator, require a superconductor with very high current density (> 2400 A/mm 2 at 5 T) and very small filaments ( about 2μ m in diameter). Previous work has shown that by controling the formation of Cu 4 Ti compound particles on the filament surfaces it is possible to make fine filamentary NbTi wire with high critical current density. The performance of multi-filamentary wire is characterized by the current density and the quantity ''n'' which describes the superconducting-normal transition. Micrographs of wires having high J /SUB c/ and high n show smooth, uniform filaments. Recently wires of very high critical current and high n have been produced in experimental quantities by commercial manufacturers

Critical current studies on fine filamentary NbTi accelerator wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garber, M.; Suenaga, M.; Sampson, W.B.; Sabatini, R.L.

1985-01-01

The magnets for the Superconductig Super Collider, a high energy proton colliding beam accelerator, require a superconductor with very high current density (>2400 A/mm 2 at 5 T) and very small filaments (approx. 2μm in diameter). Previous work has shown that by controlling the formation of Cu 4 Ti compound particles on the filament surfaces it is possible to make fine filamentary NbTi wire with high critical current density. The performance of multi-filamentary wire is characterized by the current density and the quantity ''n'' which describes the superconducting-normal transition. Micrographs of wires having high J/sub c/ and high n show smooth, uniform filaments. Recently wires of very high critical current and high n have been produced in experimental quantities by commercial manufactures

Modification of critical current in HTSC tape conductors by a ferromagnetic layer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goemoery, F; Souc, J; Seiler, E; Vojenciak, M; Granados, X

2008-01-01

In some applications of tape conductors from high temperature superconductors (HTSC) the magnetic field is created by the transported current itself. This is e.g. the case of power transmission cables or current leads. Quite complex distribution of local magnetic field determines then the ability of the superconducting element to carry electrical current. We have investigated how much the critical current of a tape conductor can be changed by putting a ferromagnetic layer in the vicinity of the HTSC material. Numerical procedure has been developed to resolve the current and field distribution in such superconductor-ferromagnet composite tape. Theoretical predictions have been confirmed by experiments on sample made from Bi-2223/Ag composite tape. The critical current of such tape can be improved by placing a soft ferromagnetic material at the tape's edges. On the other hand, the calculations show that the ferromagnetic substrate of YBCO coated tape reduces its self-field critical current

Electric field effect on the critical current of SNS-contact

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rakhmanov, A.L.; Rozhkov, A.V.

1995-01-01

Electric field effect on the SNS-contact critical current is investigated in the Ginzburg-Landau theory approximation. It is shown that the electric field may cause a notable increase of the contact critical current especially if the sample temperature is close to the temperature of a superconducting transition of T sc normal layer. Electric field effect is increased with the reduction of film thickness, but it can strong enough for thick films as well at temperature close to T sc . 11 refs.; 4 figs

Critical current density for spin transfer torque switching with composite free layer structure

OpenAIRE

You, Chun-Yeol

2009-01-01

Critical current density of composite free layer (CFL) in magnetic tunneling junction is investigated. CFL consists of two exchange coupled ferromagnetic layers, where the coupling is parallel or anti-parallel. Instability condition of the CFL under the spin transfer torque, which is related with critical current density, is obtained by analytic spin wave excitation model and confirmed by macro-spin Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The critical current densities for the coupled two identical...

A Method of Maximum Power Control in Single-phase Utility Interactive Photovoltaic Generation System by using PWM Current Source Inverter

Science.gov (United States)

Neba, Yasuhiko

This paper deals with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control of the photovoltaic generation with the single-phase utility interactive inverter. The photovoltaic arrays are connected by employing the PWM current source inverter to the utility. The use of the pulsating dc current and voltage allows the maximum power point to be searched. The inverter can regulate the array voltage and keep the arrays to the maximum power. This paper gives the control method and the experimental results.

Crack problem in superconducting cylinder with exponential distribution of critical-current density

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Yufeng; Xu, Chi; Shi, Liang

2018-04-01

The general problem of a center crack in a long cylindrical superconductor with inhomogeneous critical-current distribution is studied based on the extended Bean model for zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) magnetization processes, in which the inhomogeneous parameter η is introduced for characterizing the critical-current density distribution in inhomogeneous superconductor. The effect of the inhomogeneous parameter η on both the magnetic field distribution and the variations of the normalized stress intensity factors is also obtained based on the plane strain approach and J-integral theory. The numerical results indicate that the exponential distribution of critical-current density will lead a larger trapped field inside the inhomogeneous superconductor and cause the center of the cylinder to fracture more easily. In addition, it is worth pointing out that the nonlinear field distribution is unique to the Bean model by comparing the curve shapes of the magnetization loop with homogeneous and inhomogeneous critical-current distribution.

Numerical prediction of a dip effect in the critical current density

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al Khawaja, U.; Benkraouda, M.; Obaidat, I.M.

2007-01-01

We have conducted extensive series of molecular dynamic simulations on the properties of the critical current density in systems with periodic square arrays of pinning sites. The density of the pinning sites was kept fixed while the density of vortices, pinning strength, and temperature were varied several times. At zero temperature, we have observed a substantial dip in the critical current density that occurs only at a fixed value of the vortex density and for specific values of pinning strength. We have found that the occurrence of the dip depends mainly on the initial positions of the vortices with respect to the positions of the pinning sites. At the dip, we have found that the interstitial vortices form moving channels leading to the observed drop in the critical current density

Critical current anomaly at the topological quantum phase transition in a Majorana Josephson junction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Hong [School of Physics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Liang, Qi-Feng [Department of Physics, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000 (China); Yao, Dao-Xin, E-mail: yaodaox@mail.sysu.edu.cn [School of Physics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Wang, Zhi, E-mail: physicswangzhi@gmail.com [School of Physics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China)

2017-06-28

Majorana bound states in topological Josephson junctions induce a 4π period current-phase relation. Direct detection of the 4π periodicity is complicated by the quasiparticle poisoning. We reveal that Majorana bound states are also signaled by the anomalous enhancement on the critical current of the junction. We show the landscape of the critical current for a nanowire Josephson junction under a varying Zeeman field, and reveal a sharp step feature at the topological quantum phase transition point, which comes from the anomalous enhancement of the critical current at the topological regime. In multi-band wires, the anomalous enhancement disappears for an even number of bands, where the Majorana bound states fuse into Andreev bound states. This anomalous critical current enhancement directly signals the existence of the Majorana bound states, and also provides a valid signature for the topological quantum phase transition. - Highlights: • We introduce the critical current step as a signal for the topological quantum phase transition. • We study the quantum phase transition in the topological nanowire under a rotating Zeeman field. • We show that the critical current anomaly gradually disappears for systems with more sub-bands.

Induced critical current density limit of Ag sheathed Bi-2223 tape conductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ogiwara, H.; Satou, M.; Yamada, Y.; Kitamura, T.; Hasegawa, T.

1994-01-01

The authors have already reported the best critical current density of 66,000 A/cm 2 with an Ag sheathed Bi-2223 tape conductor. The Brick-wall model is for explaining the current transport mechanism of this conductor. The model has its roots in the fact that the Bi-2223 tape core is a complicated stack of crystals which have a mica-flake structure. The orientation of the crystals which have a mica-flake structure. The orientation of the crystals seriously affects the current transport capability. Moreover, the contacts between the stacking crystals are very important. The transport current flows dividing into many branch paths. Under high magnetic field, the different paths experienced different electromagnetic forces. Differences between the electromagnetic forces on the different crystals can affect the contacts so as to increase resistivity and decrease overall critical current density of the tape. This effect can foretell the limit of the critical current density obtainable with these kinds of conductors

Critical current measurement in superconducting rings using an automatic inductive technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez-Jorge, H.; Linares, B.; Quelle, I.; Carballo, E.; Romani, L.; Domarco, G.

2007-01-01

A measurement technique was developed to identify the critical current of superconducting rings. It is based on the detection of the voltage on a secondary coil when the current induced in the superconductor by a primary one go beyond to the critical value. The technique uses a DC power supply to control the AC current circulating by the primary circuit. Such circuit mainly consists on an AC power supply which gives a constant AC voltage, a primary inducting coil and a control coil with iron core. The AC current circulating by this circuit is modified with the change in the impedance of the control coil due to the fact of the DC current supplied by the power supply in parallel with it

Transport measurements in superconductors: critical current of granular high TC ceramic superconductor samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Passos, W.A.C.

2016-01-01

This work presents a method to obtain critical current of granular superconductors. We have carried out transport measurements (ρxT curves and VxI curves) in a YBa_2Cu_3O_7_-_δ sample to determine critical current density of it. Some specimens reveal a 'semiconductor-like' behavior (electrical resistivity decreases with increasing temperatures above critical temperature T_c of material) competing with superconductor behavior. Due to high granular fraction of the sample, these competition is clearly noted in ρxT curves. Measurements carried out from 0 to 8500 Oe of applied field show the same behavior, and the critical current density of the samples is shown. (author)

Critical current of Josephson contacts with accidental position of vortexes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fistul', M.V.

1989-01-01

Josephson contact critical current dependence on magnetic field under different concentrations of Abrikosov vortices (AV) in superconducting shores is found. Pinned vortex concentration as well as correlation in the vortex position can be determined by Josephson current dependence on magnetic field

The effect of transverse loads up to 300 MPa on the critical currents of Nb3Sn cables

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boschman, H.; Verweij, A.P.; Wessel, S.; ten Kate, H.H.J.; van de Klundert, L.J.M.

1991-01-01

In the framework of the development of an experimental 10 T Nb 3 Sn dipole coil for the LHC at CERN the effects of transverse stress on Rutherford type of Nb 3 Sn cables have been investigated. For this purpose a special facility was designed and taken into operation in which the voltage-current behavior of short pieces of Nb 3 Sn cables can be investigated in a background field up to 11 T and an applied stress of 300 MPa. The repulsive Lorentz force of 250 kN, generated by a set of superconducting coils, is used to impress the cable over an area of 20 x 42 mm 2 maximum, in presence of a transport current up to 40 kA. In this paper the testing equipment is described and the first results of the observed critical current degradation of two Nb 3 Sn cables are discussed

Engineering Critical Current Density Improvement in Ag- Bi-2223 Tapes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, W. G.; Seifi, Behrouz; Eriksen, Morten

2000-01-01

Ag alloy sheathed Bi-2223 multifilament tapes were produced by the powder-in-tube method. Engineering critical current density improvement has been achieved through both enhancement of critical current density by control of the thermal behavior of oxide powder and by an increase of the filling...... factor of the tapes. Phase evolution at initial sintering stage has been studied by a quench experiment in Ag-Bi-2223 tapes. The content, texture, and microstructure of various phases were determined by XRD and SEM. A novel process approach has been invented in which square wire was chosen rather than...

Speed Control Analysis of Brushless DC Motor Based on Maximum Amplitude DC Current Feedback

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hassan M.A.A.

2014-07-01

Full Text Available This paper describes an approach to develop accurate and simple current controlled modulation technique for brushless DC (BLDC motor drive. The approach is applied to control phase current based on generation of quasi-square wave current by using only one current controller for the three phases. Unlike the vector control method which is complicated to be implemented, this simple current modulation technique presents advantages such as phase currents are kept in balance and the current is controlled through only one dc signal which represent maximum amplitude value of trapezoidal current (Imax. This technique is performed with Proportional Integral (PI control algorithm and triangular carrier comparison method to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM signal. In addition, the PI speed controller is incorporated with the current controller to perform desirable speed operation of non-overshoot response. The performance and functionality of the BLDC motor driver are verified via simulation by using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The simulation results show the developed control system performs desirable speed operation of non-overshoot and good current waveforms.

Microstructural analyses and critical current densities in the high-Tc superconductor system ReBa2Cu3OX, with RE = Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schindler, G.; Seebacher, B.

1989-01-01

The authors report on investigations into the impact of the rare earths (RE) as given in the title on the ceramic microstructure and the critical current density j c in the superconductor system REBa 2 Cu 3 O x . With RE = Sm, Eu, or Gd, the material is homogeneous in phase and crystallizes in platelets with maximum sizes of up to 350 μm. Material with RE = Y, Dy, or Ho exhibits grain sizes up to 500 μm, and a low amount of phase inhomogeneities. The critical currents measured are between 25 Acm -2 and 290 Acm -2 at 77 K, without external field. The highest values are found in systems with RE = Eu or Gd. (orig.) [de

Critical current in the Integral Quantum Hall Effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kostadinov, I.Z.

1985-11-01

A multiparticle theory of the Integral Quantum Hall Effect (IQHE) was constructed operating with pairs wave function as an order parameter. The IQHE is described with bosonic macroscopic states while the fractional QHE with fermionic ones. The calculation of the critical current and Hall conductivity temperature dependence is presented. (author)

Magnetic Field Dependence of the Critical Current in S-N Bilayer Thin Films

Science.gov (United States)

Sadleir, John E.; Lee, Sang-Jun; Smith, Stephen James; Bandler, Simon; Chervenak, James; Kilbourne, Caroline A.; Finkbeiner, Fred M.; Porter, Frederick S.; Kelley, Richard L.; Adams, Joseph S.;

Strand critical current degradation in $Nb_{3}$ Sn Rutherford cables

CERN Document Server

Barzi, E; Higley, H C; Scanlan, R M; Yamada, R; Zlobin, A V

2001-01-01

Fermilab is developing 11 Tesla superconducting accelerator magnets based on Nb/sub 3/Sn superconductor. Multifilamentary Nb/sub 3/Sn strands produced using the modified jelly roll, internal tin, and powder-in-tube technologies were used for the development and test of the prototype cable. To optimize the cable geometry with respect to the critical current, short samples of Rutherford cable with packing factors in the 85 to 95% range were fabricated and studied. In this paper, the results of measurements of critical current, n-value and RRR made on the round virgin strands and on the strands extracted from the cable samples are presented. (5 refs).

Critical current characteristics in high T/sub c/ oxide superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsushita, T.; Ni, B.

1989-01-01

Critical current densities are theoretically estimated for single-crystalline thin films, polycrystalline bulk materials with oriented and random textures of superconducting oxides. The percolation theory is used and the effect of depression of the transport current through grain boundaries is taken into account. A comparison is made with existing experimental results

A Monte Carlo simulation on critical current distribution of bent-damaged multifilamentary Bi2223 composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S.; Okuda, H.; Fujimoto, M.; Shin, J.K.; Oh, S.S.; Ha, D.W.

2011-01-01

We simulate critical current distribution of bent-damaged Bi2223 composite tape. We use a Monte Carlo method and a damage evolution model for simulation. With the present simulation approach, experimental results are described well. Critical current distribution stems mainly from difference in damage evolution. It was attempted to reproduce the measured critical current (I c ) distributions of the Bi2223 composite tape bent by 0-0.833% by simulation. Simulation was carried out with a Monte Carlo method in combination with a model that correlates the critical current to damage evolution. Two variables that differ from specimen to specimen were input in the simulation. One was the damage strain parameter, with which the difference in extent of damage among specimens was expressed. Another was the original critical current (I c0 ) values at zero bending strain. With the present simulation approach, the measured distributions of critical current at various bending strains, and the measured variations of average and coefficient of variation of critical current values with increasing bending strain were reproduced well.

Magnetic field dependence of the critical superconducting current induced by the proximity effect in silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishino, T.; Kawabe, U.; Yamada, E.

1986-01-01

The magnetic field dependence of the critical superconducting current induced by the proximity effect in heavily-boron-doped Si is studied experimentally. It is found that the critical current flowing through the p-type-Si-coupled junction decreases with increasing applied magnetic field. The critical current can be expressed as the product of three factors: the current induced by de Gennes's proximity effect, the exponential decrease due to pair breaking by the magnetic field, and the usual diffraction-pattern-like dependence on the magnetic field due to the Josephson effect. The second factor depends on the carrier concentration in the semiconductor. The local critical current shows a rapid decrease at the edge of the electrodes

Angular and magnetic field dependences of critical current in irradiated YBaCuO single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Petrusenko, Yu.

2010-01-01

The investigation of mechanisms responsible for the current-carrying capability of irradiated high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) was realized. For the purpose, experiments were made to investigate the effect of point defects generated by high-energy electron irradiation on the critical temperature and the critical current in high-Tc superconducting single crystals YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x . The transport current density measured in HTSC single crystals YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x by the dc-method was found to exceed 80000 A/cm 2 . The experiments have demonstrated a more than 30-fold increase in the critical current density in single crystals irradiated with 2.5 MeV electrons to a dose of 3·10 18 el/cm 2 . Detailed studies were made into the anisotropy of critical current and the dependence of critical current on the external magnetic field strength in irradiated single crystals. A high efficiency of point defects as centers of magnetic vortex pinning in HTSC single crystals was first demonstrated.

Phonon-induced enhancements of the energy gap and critical current in superconducting aluminum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seligson, D.

1983-01-01

The enhancement of the energy gap, Δ, and critical current, i/sub c/, in superconducting aluminum thin films were under the influence of 8 to 10 GHz phonons. The phonons were generated by piezoelectric transduction of a 1 kW microwave pulse of about 1 μsec duration. By means of a quartz delay line, the phonons were allowed to enter the aluminum only after the microwaves had long since disappeared. The critical current was measured in long narrow Al strips, in which the current flow is 1-dimensional and well described by Ginsburg-Landau theory. To measure Δ the Al film was used as one electrode in a superconductor-insulator-superconductor tunnel junction whose current-voltage characteristic gave Δ directly. For the measurements of i/sub c/, the total critical current was measured in the presence of the phonon perturbation. For the measurements of Δ the change of Δ away from its equilibrium value was measured. In both cases the first measurements of enhancement of these macroscopic variables under phonon irradiation is reported. The gap-enhancement was found to be in good agreement with theory, but only for relatively and surprisingly low input power. The critical current measurements are predicted to be in rough agreement with the Δ measurements but this was not observed

Influence of anisotropy and pinning centers on critical current properties in Bi-2212 superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haraguchi, T.; Takayama, S.; Kiuchi, M.; Otabe, E.S.; Matsushita, T.; Yasuda, T.; Okayasu, S.; Uchida, S.; Shimoyama, J.; Kishio, K.

2006-01-01

The critical current density in Bi-2212 superconductors with various anisotropies irradiated by heavy ions was investigated in the medium temperature region to understand the effects of defect size and the anisotropy of the superconductor. It was found that the critical current density and the irreversibility field were larger for the specimen with larger defect and/or with smaller anisotropy. Introduction of stronger pinning centers and the optimization of the doping condition to improve the dimensionality are desired for further improvement of the critical current properties

Interlaboratory comparison on high-temperature superconductor critical-current measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wiejaczka, J.A.; Goodrich, L.F.

1997-01-01

An extensive interlaboratory comparison was conducted on high temperature superconductor (HTS) critical-current measurements. This study was part of an international cooperative effort through the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS). The study involved six US laboratories that are recognized leaders in the field of HTS. This paper includes the complete results from this comparison of critical-current measurements on Ag-sheathed Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10-x (2223) tapes. The effects of sample characteristics, specimen mounting, measurement technique, and specimen damage were studied. The future development of a standard HTS measurement method is also discussed. Most of the evolution of this emerging technology has occurred in improvement of the performance of the conductors. The successful completion of this interlaboratory comparison is an important milestone in the evolution of HTS technology and marks a level of maturity that the technology has reached

Critical current measurements of high Tc superconductors in a scanning low temperature cryostat

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Telschow, K.L.; O'Brien, T.K.

1991-01-01

Maintaining uniformity of properties over long distances is one of the fabrication problems encountered with the new high T c superconductors. Uniform properties are crucial in long tapes or wires with high critical current since local nonuniformities can limit the current carrying capacity of the whole piece. Transport critical currents in high T c superconductors are conventionally measured with the contact 4-point probe DC current-voltage technique. This technique requires contact with the sample and and spatially averages over the region between the two voltage contacts. Two techniques have been used to infer the critical state model. The first uses the net magnetization of a suitably shaped sample in an external magnetic field. The second combines a DC magnetic field with AC induced currents to infer spatial flux profiles. The AC magnetization technique offers an advantage in that it is noncontacting; however, it also averages the measurement over a large area and requires that the sample be shaped and positioned such that it exhibits zero demagnetizing factor. This paper describes a measurement technique and a scanning cryostat assembly that are capable of determining local critical current in a tape or wire with high resolution and without any direct sample electrical contact. A small compensated coil was used to induce AC currents in slab-shaped samples. The coil was situated near the surface on one side of the slab. With this method, the AC probe can be used as a noncontacting dissipation probe, replacing the voltage probe in the 4-point contact method, when an externally driven transport current is used, or by itself as a local critical state generator and dissipation detector. The results are shown to be meaningful even when the internal magnetic field is not uniform due to shape demagnetizing effects. 10 refs., 5 figs

Rationing critical care medicine: recent studies and current trends.

Science.gov (United States)

Ward, Nicholas S

2005-12-01

This paper reviews the literature on the rationing of critical care resources. Although much has been written about the concept of rationing, there have been few scientific studies as to its prevalence. A recent meta-analysis reviewed all previously published studies on rationing access to intensive care units but little is known about practices within the intensive care unit. Much literature in the past few years has focused on the growing use of critical care resources and projections for the future. Several authors suggest there may be a crisis in financial or personnel resources if some rationing does not take place. Other papers have argued that the methods of rationing critical care previously proposed, such as limiting the care of dying patients or using cost-effectiveness analysis to determine care, may not be effective or viewed as ethical by some. Finally, several recent papers review how critical care is practiced and allocated in India and Asian countries that already practice open rationing in their health care systems. There is currently no published evidence that overt rationing is taking place in critical care medicine. There is growing evidence that in the future, the need for critical care may outstrip financial resources unless some form of rationing takes place. It is also clear from the literature that choosing how to ration critical care will be a difficult task.

Magnetic field oscillations of the critical current in long ballistic graphene Josephson junctions

Science.gov (United States)

Rakyta, Péter; Kormányos, Andor; Cserti, József

2016-06-01

We study the Josephson current in long ballistic superconductor-monolayer graphene-superconductor junctions. As a first step, we have developed an efficient computational approach to calculate the Josephson current in tight-binding systems. This approach can be particularly useful in the long-junction limit, which has hitherto attracted less theoretical interest but has recently become experimentally relevant. We use this computational approach to study the dependence of the critical current on the junction geometry, doping level, and an applied perpendicular magnetic field B . In zero magnetic field we find a good qualitative agreement with the recent experiment of M. Ben Shalom et al. [Nat. Phys. 12, 318 (2016), 10.1038/nphys3592] for the length dependence of the critical current. For highly doped samples our numerical calculations show a broad agreement with the results of the quasiclassical formalism. In this case the critical current exhibits Fraunhofer-like oscillations as a function of B . However, for lower doping levels, where the cyclotron orbit becomes comparable to the characteristic geometrical length scales of the system, deviations from the results of the quasiclassical formalism appear. We argue that due to the exceptional tunability and long mean free path of graphene systems a new regime can be explored where geometrical and dynamical effects are equally important to understand the magnetic field dependence of the critical current.

Experiment of enhancing critical current in Bi-2223/Ag tape by means of ferromagnetic shielding

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alamgir, A.K.M. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)]. E-mail: alam643@hotmail.com; Gu, C. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Han, Z. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)

2005-11-15

Critical current in multifilamentary Ag-sheath Bi-2223 tape is enhanced to some extent by means of thin and narrow coating of pure nickel. The concept of enhancing critical current is based on the magnetic shielding effect resulting in redirection of self-field flux lines. The Ni coating was introduced at the edge regime of the tape in order to redirect the perpendicular component of self-field lines which is severe at the edges. Critical current in a typical Ag-sheath Bi-2223 tape was enhanced up to {approx}11% by 50 {mu}m thick and 0.4 mm long Ni coating without any change of self-field loss. This fact reveals that additional ferromagnetic loss could be compensated by the shielding effect and increased critical current of the tape. The degree of enhancement in critical current as well as ferromagnetic impact on ac losses depend on the length and thickness of ferromagnetic coating introduced. Therefore, it is very important to control the geometry of ferromagnetic coating in order to balance the critical current and ac loss for optimum superconductor performance. Introduction of ferromagnetic coating and its effect on electromagnetic properties in multifilamentary Bi-2223/Ag tape will be reported in this article.

Experiment of enhancing critical current in Bi-2223/Ag tape by means of ferromagnetic shielding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alamgir, A.K.M.; Gu, C.; Han, Z.

2005-01-01

Critical current in multifilamentary Ag-sheath Bi-2223 tape is enhanced to some extent by means of thin and narrow coating of pure nickel. The concept of enhancing critical current is based on the magnetic shielding effect resulting in redirection of self-field flux lines. The Ni coating was introduced at the edge regime of the tape in order to redirect the perpendicular component of self-field lines which is severe at the edges. Critical current in a typical Ag-sheath Bi-2223 tape was enhanced up to ∼11% by 50 μm thick and 0.4 mm long Ni coating without any change of self-field loss. This fact reveals that additional ferromagnetic loss could be compensated by the shielding effect and increased critical current of the tape. The degree of enhancement in critical current as well as ferromagnetic impact on ac losses depend on the length and thickness of ferromagnetic coating introduced. Therefore, it is very important to control the geometry of ferromagnetic coating in order to balance the critical current and ac loss for optimum superconductor performance. Introduction of ferromagnetic coating and its effect on electromagnetic properties in multifilamentary Bi-2223/Ag tape will be reported in this article

Upper critical fields and critical current densities of Fe-based superconductors as compared to those of other technical superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pallecchi, I., E-mail: ilaria.pallecchi@spin.cnr.it [CNR-SPIN, Corso Perrone 24, 16152 Genova (Italy); Tropeano, M. [Columbus Superconductors S.p.A, Via delle Terre Rosse 30, 16133 Genova (Italy); Lamura, G. [CNR-SPIN, Corso Perrone 24, 16152 Genova (Italy); Pani, M. [Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Universita di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova (Italy); Palombo, M. [Columbus Superconductors S.p.A, Via delle Terre Rosse 30, 16133 Genova (Italy); Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Universita di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova (Italy); Palenzona, A. [Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Universita di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova (Italy); Putti, M. [CNR-SPIN, Corso Perrone 24, 16152 Genova (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova (Italy)

2012-11-20

Three years since the discovery by the Hosono's group of Fe-based superconductors, an enormous number of compounds, belonging to several different families have been discovered and fundamental properties have been deeply investigated in order to clarify the interplay between magnetisms and superconductivity in these compounds. Indeed, the actual potential of these compounds for practical applications remains still unclear. Fe-based superconductors are midway between high temperature superconductors (HTSCs) and MgB{sub 2}. In Fe-based superconductors the critical current is rather independent of the field, similarly to HTSCs, as a consequence of the exceptionally high upper critical field and strong pinning associated with nm-scale local modulations of the order parameter. They exhibit low anisotropy of the critical current with respect to the crystalline directions, as in the case of MgB{sub 2}, which allows current flow along the c-axis. However, Fe-based superconductor polycrystalline materials currently available still exhibit electromagnetic granularity, like the HTSCs, which suppresses superconducting current flow over long length. Whether the nature of such granularity is extrinsic, as due to spurious phases or cracks between grains or intrinsic, as related to misalignment of adjacent grains, is under debate. These aspects will be reviewed in the light of the recent literature.

Study of the inhomogeneity of critical current under in-situ tensile stress for YBCO tape

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Y. P.; Chen, W.; Zhang, H. Y.; Liu, L. Y.; Pan, X. F.; Yang, X. S.; Zhao, Y.

2018-07-01

A Hall sensor system was used to measure the local critical current of YBCO tape with high spatial resolution under in-situ tensile stress. The hot spot generation and minimum quench energy of YBCO tape, which depended on the local critical current, was calculated through the thermoelectric coupling model. With the increase in tensile stress, the cracks which have different dimensions and critical current degradation arose more frequently and lowered the thermal stability of the YBCO tape.

Effect of stress on the critical current of NbTi multifilamentary composite wire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ekin, J.W.; Fickett, F.R.; Clark, A.F.

1977-01-01

Superconducting composites within large-scale magnets can be subjected to high stresses. These stresses arise from several sources, chief among them being the winding tension and prestressing during construction of the magnet, the thermomechanical forces incurred during thermal cycling to cryogenic temperatures, and especially in large-scale systems, the magnetomechanical forces generated when the magnet is energized. Typically, data on the critical-current characteristics of superconducting composites are obtained on wires that are in an unstressed state. Very little is known, however, about how the critical current behaves in wires experiencing stresses of the type described above. To measure these effects, short sample critical current tests were made under conditions simultaneously simulating the mechanical and magnetic environments of high-field superconducting magnets. The program was initiated both to form a basis for the fundamental understanding of stress effects on superconductor stability and to provide engineering data for optimizing design and construction of high-field magnets. The preliminary results indicate that NbTi multifilamentary superconducting composite wires are not characterized by a single critical current vs. field curve, but rather by a family of curves, each corresponding to a different operating stress level

Critical current density in railgrun accelerators with composite electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stankevich, S.V.; Shvetsov, G.A.

1995-01-01

The present paper is intended to study the possibilities of increasing the critical current density in railgun accelerators using composite electrodes of various structure. Before proceeding to the analysis this way, it should be noted that the requirements for materials selected for the rails go beyond the values of the current density. In real practice account should be taken of the technological problems concerned with the production of the electrodes, as well as of those concerned with the railgun performance, including the multishot life

Magnetic microscopy for characterization of local critical current in iron-sheathed MgB2 wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higashikawa, K.; Yamamoto, A.; Kiss, T.; Ye, S.; Matsumoto, A.; Kumakura, H.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • We developed a characterization method of local critical current in MgB 2 wires. • Local homogeneity was visualized by the scanning Hall-probe microscopy (SHPM). • Local critical current value was quantified with the aid of the finite element method (FEM). • MgB 2 wire still has inhomogeneous distribution in local critical current. • Higher potential than that estimated by the four-probe transport method was suggested. - Abstract: We have developed a characterization method of local critical current in iron-sheathed MgB 2 wires. Local homogeneity was visualized by the scanning Hall-probe microscopy (SHPM). The value of local critical current was quantified with the aid of the finite element method (FEM) considering the ferromagnetic properties of the iron sheath. The results suggested that MgB 2 wires fabricated by internal Mg diffusion processes still have large longitudinal inhomogeneity and much higher potential than that estimated by the four-probe transport method. This will be very important information for making a correct strategy for further development of MgB 2 wires

Preparation and characterization of high-Tc superconducting thin films with high critical current densities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vase, P.

1991-08-01

The project was carried out in relation to possible cable and electronics applications of high-T c materials. Laser ablation was used as the deposition technique because of its stoichiometry conservation. Films were made in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 compound due to its relatively simple stoichiometry compared to other High-T c compounds. Much attention was paid to the critical current density. A very high critical current density was reached. By using texture analysis by X-ray diffraction, it was found that films with high critical current densities were epitaxial, while films with low critical current densities contained several crystalline orientations. Four techniques for patterning the films were used - photo lithography and wet etch, laser ablation lithography, laser writing and electron beam lithography and ion milling. Sub-micron patterning has been demonstrated without degradation of the superconducting properties. The achieved patterning resolution is sufficient for preparation of many superconducting components. (AB)

Magnetic field dependence of the critical current density in YBa2Cu3Ox ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhukov, A.A.; Moshchalkov, V.V.; Komarkov, D.A.; Shabatin, V.P.; Gordeev, S.N.; Shelomov, D.V.

1989-01-01

Three magnetic field ranges corresponding to different critical current density j c behavior have been found out. They correlate with grain magnetization changes. The inverse critical current density is shown to depend linearly on the sample cross-section due to the magnetic field induced by the flowing current

Novel methods for estimating lithium-ion battery state of energy and maximum available energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, Linfeng; Zhu, Jianguo; Wang, Guoxiu; He, Tingting; Wei, Yiying

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Study on temperature, current, aging dependencies of maximum available energy. • Study on the various factors dependencies of relationships between SOE and SOC. • A quantitative relationship between SOE and SOC is proposed for SOE estimation. • Estimate maximum available energy by means of moving-window energy-integral. • The robustness and feasibility of the proposed approaches are systematic evaluated. - Abstract: The battery state of energy (SOE) allows a direct determination of the ratio between the remaining and maximum available energy of a battery, which is critical for energy optimization and management in energy storage systems. In this paper, the ambient temperature, battery discharge/charge current rate and cell aging level dependencies of battery maximum available energy and SOE are comprehensively analyzed. An explicit quantitative relationship between SOE and state of charge (SOC) for LiMn_2O_4 battery cells is proposed for SOE estimation, and a moving-window energy-integral technique is incorporated to estimate battery maximum available energy. Experimental results show that the proposed approaches can estimate battery maximum available energy and SOE with high precision. The robustness of the proposed approaches against various operation conditions and cell aging levels is systematically evaluated.

Sample-length dependence of the critical current of slightly and significantly bent-damaged Bi2223 superconducting composite tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S; Fujimoto, M; Okuda, H; Oh, S S; Ha, D W

2007-01-01

The local critical current along a sample length is different from position to position in a long sample, especially when the sample is damaged by externally applied strain. In the present work, we attempted to reveal the relation of the distribution of the local critical current to overall critical current and the sample-length dependence of critical current for slightly and significantly damaged Bi2223 composite tape samples. In the experiment, 48 cm long Bi2223 composite tape samples, composed of 48 local elements with a length of 1 cm and 8 parts with a length 6 cm, were bent by 0.37 and 1.0% to cause slight and significant damage, respectively. The V-I curve, critical current (1 μV cm -1 criterion) and n value were measured for the overall sample as well as for the local elements and parts. It was found that the critical current distributions of the 1 cm elements at 0.37 and 1.0% bending strains are described by the three-parameter- and bimodal Weibull distribution functions, respectively. The critical current of a long sample at both bending strains could be described well by substituting the distributed critical current and n value of the short elements into the series circuit model for voltage generation. Also the measured relation of average critical current to sample length could be reproduced well in the computer by a Monte Carlo simulation method. It was shown that the critical current and n value decrease with increasing sample length at both bending strains. The extent of the decrease in critical current with sample length is dependent on the criterion of the critical current; the critical current decreases only slightly under the 1 μV cm -1 criterion which is not damage-sensitive, while it decreases greatly with increasing sample length under damage-sensitive criteria such as the 1 μV one

Identification of Watershed-scale Critical Source Areas Using Bayesian Maximum Entropy Spatiotemporal Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Roostaee, M.; Deng, Z.

2017-12-01

The states' environmental agencies are required by The Clean Water Act to assess all waterbodies and evaluate potential sources of impairments. Spatial and temporal distributions of water quality parameters are critical in identifying Critical Source Areas (CSAs). However, due to limitations in monetary resources and a large number of waterbodies, available monitoring stations are typically sparse with intermittent periods of data collection. Hence, scarcity of water quality data is a major obstacle in addressing sources of pollution through management strategies. In this study spatiotemporal Bayesian Maximum Entropy method (BME) is employed to model the inherent temporal and spatial variability of measured water quality indicators such as Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration for Turkey Creek Watershed. Turkey Creek is located in northern Louisiana and has been listed in 303(d) list for DO impairment since 2014 in Louisiana Water Quality Inventory Reports due to agricultural practices. BME method is proved to provide more accurate estimates than the methods of purely spatial analysis by incorporating space/time distribution and uncertainty in available measured soft and hard data. This model would be used to estimate DO concentration at unmonitored locations and times and subsequently identifying CSAs. The USDA's crop-specific land cover data layers of the watershed were then used to determine those practices/changes that led to low DO concentration in identified CSAs. Primary results revealed that cultivation of corn and soybean as well as urban runoff are main contributing sources in low dissolved oxygen in Turkey Creek Watershed.

Magnetization and critical currents of NbTi wires with fine filaments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghosh, A.K.; Sampson, W.B.

1985-01-01

In high energy accelerators such as the SSC, the magnetization of the superconductor is an important component in determining the harmonic fields at injection (approx.0.3T). In an effort to reduce these residual fields, interest has focused on NbTi conductors with fine filaments which are expected to have a reduced magnetization as dictated by the critical state model. With this in view, the magnetization and critical currents were measured at 4.3K for a set of NbTi wires with filament diameters, d, ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 microns. The data show that, although the magnetization scales linearly with d, it does not do so with the product J/sub c/d for d less than 3 μm. However, at these d values, the critical transport current density, J/sub c/ of NbTi was observed to decrease rapidly as a function of d. The origin of this J/sub c/ degradation and its effect on the scaling of magnetization within the framework of the critical state model is explored. We also examine the question of the observed asymmetry of the hysteretic magnetization

Phonon-induced enhancement of the energy gap and critical current of superconducting aluminum films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seligson, D.; Clarke, J.

1983-01-01

Enhancements of the energy gap Δ and the critical current I/sub c/ have been induced in thin superconducting aluminum films near the transition temperature T/sub c/ by pulses of phonons at approximately 9 GHz. In terms of the change in temperature Vertical BardeltaT/T/sub c/Vertical Bar necessary to produce the same enhancement in equilibrium, the gap enhancement increased smoothly with phonon power at fixed temperature and decreasing temperature at fixed phonon power; however, very close to T/sub c/ the enhancement rolled off. At relatively low phonon powers, the data were in good agreement with the theory of Eckern, Schmid, Schmutz, and Schoen, but at higher power levels the data fell markedly below the predictions of the theory. The critical-current enhancements in terms of Vertical BardeltaT/T/sub c/Vertical Bar were always larger than the gap enhancements at the same temperature and phonon power. At fixed phonon power the critical-current enhancements were nearly independent of temperature, except very close to T/sub c/ where the enhancement became small. The inclusion of the nonequilibrium quasiparticle distribution and the kinetic energy of the supercurrent in the theory relating the critical-current enhancement to the gap enhancement did not resolve the discrepancies between the two enhancements. It appears likely that there is an additional mechanism for critical-current enhancement that has not yet been identified

Probes for investigating the effect of magnetic field, field orientation, temperature and strain on the critical current density of anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes in a split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet.

Science.gov (United States)

Sunwong, P; Higgins, J S; Hampshire, D P

2014-06-01

We present the designs of probes for making critical current density (Jc) measurements on anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes as a function of field, field orientation, temperature and strain in our 40 mm bore, split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet. Emphasis is placed on the design of three components: the vapour-cooled current leads, the variable temperature enclosure, and the springboard-shaped bending beam sample holder. The vapour-cooled brass critical-current leads used superconducting tapes and in operation ran hot with a duty cycle (D) of ~0.2. This work provides formulae for optimising cryogenic consumption and calculating cryogenic boil-off, associated with current leads used to make J(c) measurements, made by uniformly ramping the current up to a maximum current (I(max)) and then reducing the current very quickly to zero. They include consideration of the effects of duty cycle, static helium boil-off from the magnet and Dewar (b'), and the maximum safe temperature for the critical-current leads (T(max)). Our optimized critical-current leads have a boil-off that is about 30% less than leads optimized for magnet operation at the same maximum current. Numerical calculations show that the optimum cross-sectional area (A) for each current lead can be parameterized by LI(max)/A = [1.46D(-0.18)L(0.4)(T(max) - 300)(0.25D(-0.09)) + 750(b'/I(max))D(10(-3)I(max)-2.87b') × 10⁶ A m⁻¹ where L is the current lead's length and the current lead is operated in liquid helium. An optimum A of 132 mm(2) is obtained when I(max) = 1000 A, T(max) = 400 K, D = 0.2, b' = 0.3 l h(-1) and L = 1.0 m. The optimized helium consumption was found to be 0.7 l h(-1). When the static boil-off is small, optimized leads have a boil-off that can be roughly parameterized by: b/I(max)  ≈ (1.35 × 10(-3))D(0.41) l h(‑1) A(-1). A split-current-lead design is employed to minimize the rotation of the probes during the high current measurements in our high

Probes for investigating the effect of magnetic field, field orientation, temperature and strain on the critical current density of anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes in a split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sunwong, P.; Higgins, J. S.; Hampshire, D. P.

2014-01-01

We present the designs of probes for making critical current density (J c ) measurements on anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes as a function of field, field orientation, temperature and strain in our 40 mm bore, split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet. Emphasis is placed on the design of three components: the vapour-cooled current leads, the variable temperature enclosure, and the springboard-shaped bending beam sample holder. The vapour-cooled brass critical-current leads used superconducting tapes and in operation ran hot with a duty cycle (D) of ∼0.2. This work provides formulae for optimising cryogenic consumption and calculating cryogenic boil-off, associated with current leads used to make J c measurements, made by uniformly ramping the current up to a maximum current (I max ) and then reducing the current very quickly to zero. They include consideration of the effects of duty cycle, static helium boil-off from the magnet and Dewar (b ′ ), and the maximum safe temperature for the critical-current leads (T max ). Our optimized critical-current leads have a boil-off that is about 30% less than leads optimized for magnet operation at the same maximum current. Numerical calculations show that the optimum cross-sectional area (A) for each current lead can be parameterized by LI max /A=[1.46D −0.18 L 0.4 (T max −300) 0.25D −0.09 +750(b ′ /I max )D 10 −3 I max −2.87b ′ ]× 10 6 A m −1 where L is the current lead's length and the current lead is operated in liquid helium. An optimum A of 132 mm 2 is obtained when I max = 1000 A, T max = 400 K, D = 0.2, b ′ = 0.3 l h −1 and L = 1.0 m. The optimized helium consumption was found to be 0.7 l h −1 . When the static boil-off is small, optimized leads have a boil-off that can be roughly parameterized by: b/I max  ≈ (1.35 × 10 −3 )D 0.41 l h ‑1  A −1 . A split-current-lead design is employed to minimize the rotation of the probes during the high current measurements in

Altering critical depinning current via domain wall pile-up in magnetic nanowires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geng, Liwei D.; Jin, Yongmei M.

2015-01-01

An important role of domain wall pile-up in current-driven domain wall depinning in magnetic nanowires is revealed using micromagnetic simulations. It is found that the critical current for domain wall depinning can be substantially reduced and conveniently tuned by controlling domain wall number in the pile-up at pinning site, in analogy to dislocation pile-up responsible for Hall–Petch effect in mechanical strength. Domain wall pinning and depinning at an s-shape bend is considered, and the effects of curvature and current crowding in magnetic circuit on domain wall behaviors are discussed. - Highlights: • Advance fundamental knowledge of current-driven domain wall phenomena. • Provide a novel approach to drastically reduce the critical depinning current. • Solve an outstanding problem of effective control of domain wall pinning/depinning. • Report appealing new findings of magnetic domain wall pile-up mechanism. • Overcome the limitations of materials properties for domain wall-based devices

Micromagnetic modeling of critical current oscillations in magnetic Josephson junctions

NARCIS (Netherlands)

golovchanskiy, I.A.; Bol'ginov, V.V.; Stolyarov, V.S.; Abramov, N.N.; Ben Hamida, A.; Emelyanova, O.V.; Stolyarov, B.S.; Kupriyanov, M..Y.; Golubov, Alexandre Avraamovitch; Ryazanov, V.V.

2016-01-01

In this work we propose and explore an effective numerical approach for investigation of critical current dependence on applied magnetic field for magnetic Josephson junctions with in-plane magnetization orientation. This approach is based on micromagnetic simulation of the magnetization reversal

Pulsed transport critical currents of Bi2212 tapes in pulsed magnetic fields

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rogacki, K [Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw (Poland); Gilewski, A; Klamut, J [International Laboratory of High Magnetic Fields and Low Temperatures, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw (Poland); Newson, M; Jones, H [Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford (United Kingdom); Glowacki, B A [IRC in Superconductivity and Department of Materials Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom)

2002-07-01

If high-T{sub C} superconductors are ever to be used in high-field applications, it is vital that the critical surfaces can be mapped under high-field conditions. However, the latest superconductors have high currents even at fields over 20 T, making accurate measurements very difficult due to the thermal and mechanical problems. In this paper, we compare measurements on BSCCO-2212 tape using a number of different methods, particularly an innovative pulsed transport current and pulsed field mode. We show how the analysis of the voltage signal from BSCCO-2212 tape in pulsed conditions may be used to extract the critical current in quasi-stationary conditions. The effect of a metallic substrate on the results is also briefly discussed. (author)

Maximum Power from a Solar Panel

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Michael Miller

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Solar energy has become a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuel sources. Solar panels are used to collect solar radiation and convert it into electricity. One of the techniques used to maximize the effectiveness of this energy alternative is to maximize the power output of the solar collector. In this project the maximum power is calculated by determining the voltage and the current of maximum power. These quantities are determined by finding the maximum value for the equation for power using differentiation. After the maximum values are found for each time of day, each individual quantity, voltage of maximum power, current of maximum power, and maximum power is plotted as a function of the time of day.

Critical current density and wire fabrication of high-TC superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schlabach, T.D.; Jin, S.; Sherwood, R.C.; Tiefel, T.H.

1989-01-01

In this paper, some of the recent investigations of wire fabrication techniques and critical current behavior in high T c superconductors will be reviewed. In spite of the tremendous interest and research effort, the progress toward major applications of the bulk high-temperature superconductors has been impeded by, among other thins, the low critical currents and their severe deterioration in weak magnetic fields. Significant advances, however, have been made in understanding the causes of the problem as well as in improving the current-carrying capacity through proper microstructural control such as the melt-textured-growth in Y-Ba-Cu-O. The low density of effective flux-pinning sites in bulk Y-Ba-Cu-O limits J c at 77K in high magnetic fields to about 10 4 A/cm 2 even in the absence of weak links. Magnetization measurements on Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O at 77K by various researchers indicate even weaker flux pinning capabilities in these materials than in Y-Ba-Cu-O. The challenge in the future is to obtain suitable flux-pinning defects by choosing the right processing and chemistry changes

The relationship between critical current and microstructure of internal tin wire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dietderich, D.R.; Hassenzahl, W.V.; Morris, J.W. Jr.

1986-01-01

Prior work on internal tin wire has shown that an increase in critical current results when the Nb 3 Sn reaction temperatures (650-730 0 C) are preceded by low temperature diffusion heat treatments that distribute the tin. These heat treatments produce a more uniform tin distribution through the niobium filament array before substantial Nb 3 Sn formation has occurred. Heat treatments as long as 19 days have been proposed as the optimal heat treatment for the conductor. However, it is possible to substantially reduce the low temperature heat treatment time while retaining the same high critical current. The success of shortened heat treatments may be interpreted on the basis of the Cu-Sn reaction, diffusion kinetics and the Nb 3 Sn growth kinetics

Critical current enhancement by Lorentz force reduction in superconductor-ferromagnet nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blamire, M G; Dinner, R B; Wimbush, S C; MacManus-Driscoll, J L

2009-01-01

Ferromagnetic pinning centres in superconductors form much deeper potential wells than equivalent insulating or metallic non-superconducting inclusions. However, the resultant pinning forces arising from magnetic inclusions are low because the magnetic interaction takes place over the length scale of the magnetic penetration depth which is large in technological superconductors. Nonetheless, we show that a magnetic inclusion can also reduce the Lorentz force on a vortex, yielding a substantially enhanced critical current density for a given pinning force. We calculate this enhancement for a single vortex pinned by a paramagnetic cylinder as well as a vortex lattice interacting with magnetic inclusions, and find that the inclusion of ferromagnetic particles or rods offers a practical means of enhancing the critical currents in oxide high temperature superconductors.

'Leak Current' correction for critical current measurement of no-insulation HTS coil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Jung Bin [Laboratoire National des Champs Magnétiques Intenses, CNRS, Grenoble (France); Hahn, Seung Yong [Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2017-06-15

Discrepancy between a power supply current and an actual “spiral” coil current makes the conventional 4-probe measurement of a critical current (I{sub c}) of a no-insulation (NI) high temperature superconductor (HTS) coil inaccurate and time-consuming. This paper presents a fast and accurate approach for I{sub c} measurement of NI HTS coils. With an NI HTS coil energized at a constant ramping rate, a complete analytic expression for the spiral coil current was obtained from a first-order partial differential equation that derived from an equivalent circuit model of the NI coil. From the analytic solution, both spiral coil current and radial leak current can be obtained simultaneously, which enables fast and accurate measurement of the NI coil I{sub c}. To verify the proposed approach, an NI double-pancake (DP) coil, wound with GdBCO tapes of 6 mm × 0.1 mm, was constructed and its Ic was repeatedly measured with various ramping rates in a bath of liquid nitrogen at 77 K. The measured results agreed well with the calculated ones, which validates the proposed approach to measure I{sub c} of an NI HTS coil.

Characterization of the critical current and physical properties of superconducting epitaxial NbTiN sub-micron structures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klimov, A., E-mail: aklimov@ite.waw.pl [Institute of Electron Technology, Al. Lotników 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw (Poland); Słysz, W.; Guziewicz, M. [Institute of Electron Technology, Al. Lotników 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw (Poland); Kolkovsky, V.; Zaytseva, I.; Malinowski, A. [Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Science, Al. Lotników 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw (Poland)

2017-05-15

Highlights: • This manuscript presents investigation of the critical current dependence of Nb(Ti)N nanostructured superconducting single photon detectors (SNSPD) in function of temperature and applied magnetic field. • Presented results are complimentary and compared with the same data received for submicron-wide single bridge Nb(Ti)N structures. • Our data demonstrate significant influence of local constrictions on physical properties of our SNSPD detectors. - Abstract: Measurements of critical current in NbTiN as a function of applied magnetic field and temperature are reported for two samples: 700-nm-wide bridge and 100-nm-wide meander. In 700-nm-wide NbTiN bridge we pinpointed the limiting factors for the critical current density to be current-driven vortex de-pinning at low temperatures and thermally activated flux flow closer to the transition temperature. In 100-nm-wide NbTiN meander we found phase slips activation, accompanied by hotspots formation at all measured temperatures. These two types of structures demonstrate different dependence of the critical current on the applied magnetic field. Although our NbTiN meander structures has high de-pairing critical current densities ∼10{sup 7} A/cm{sup 2} at low temperatures, the real critical currents are smaller due to the presence of the local constrictions.

Stock markets and criticality in the current economic crisis

Science.gov (United States)

da Silva, Roberto; Zembrzuski, Marcelo; Correa, Fabio C.; Lamb, Luis C.

2010-12-01

We show that the current economic crisis has led the market to exhibit a non-critical behavior. We do so by analyzing the quantitative parameters of time series from the main assets of the Brazilian Stock Market BOVESPA. By monitoring global persistence we show a deviation of power law behavior during the crisis in a strong analogy with spin systems (from where this concept was originally conceived). Such behavior is corroborated by an emergent heavy tail of absolute return distribution and also by the magnitude autocorrelation exponent. Comparisons with universal exponents obtained in the international stock markets are also performed. This suggests how a thorough analysis of suitable exponents can bring a possible way of forecasting market crises characterized by non-criticality.

Effect of sheath material on critical current characteristics of MgB2 at high temperatures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiuchi, M.; Yamauchi, K.; Kurokawa, T.; Otabe, E.S.; Matsushita, T.; Okada, M.; Tanaka, K.; Kumakura, H.; Kitaguchi, H.

2004-01-01

Critical current density and irreversibility field were measured at various temperatures and magnetic fields for MgB 2 PIT tape specimens with different sheaths materials. The experimental results were compared with theoretical estimations using the flux creep-flow model. It is found that the hardness of sheath material indirectly affects the pinning property only through the packing density of MgB 2 . It is considered that the critical current density is mainly determined by a low value of distributed local critical current density determined by grain connectivity. On the other hand, the irreversibility field which is approximately the same among the three tapes is mainly determined by the average pinning strength

Critical current densities in thick yttrium-barium cuprate (1-2-3) films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ryvkina, G.G.; Gorlanov, S.F.; Vedernikov, G.E.; Telegin, A.B.; Ryabin, V.A.; Khodos, M.Ya.

1993-01-01

The study of critical current densities j c of oxide superconductors and their thick films is a very important practical task because the value of j c is one of the main criteria for their utilization in modern cryoelectronics. For most devices based on the Josephson effect, the value of j c ∼ 10 2 - 10 3 A/cm 2 is acceptable, which is easily attainable for polycrystalline thick films obtained by stenciling. The study of the current-transport phenomenon involves a number of difficulties, especially for direct current, because both the sample itself and the lead-in contacts are resistance-heated during the measurements, which, in turn, results in lower values of the j c . Measurements with pulsed currents allow one to lower the power that is applied to the sample; the heat that is released in the sample is reduced, in comparison to measurements with direct current, by a factor of the pulsed-current duty cycle. In addition, measurements with direct current detects only the appearance of resistance; it provides no information on the rest of the transition from the normal to the superconductive state, i.e., on the so-called 'tail' of the transition. In this work, the authors studied critical current densities of thick HTSC yttrium-barium cuprate films of the 1-2-3 composition using pulsed current

Analysis of critical current-bend strain relationships in composite Nb3Sn superconducting wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luhman, T.; Welch, D.O.

1979-01-01

In order to be used successfully in fusion magnets, Nb 3 Sn conductors must meet several mechanical strain criteria, including tolerance to bending strains encountered during magnet construction. Since Nb 3 Sn is extremely brittle much information has been generated regarding the sensitivity of these conductros to tensile strain. A recent comparison of critical current-bend and tensile test data indicates that the strain required to initiate compound cracking during bending is significantly less than the strain required to do so by tensile of critical current on bending strains in monofilamentary Nb 3 Sn wires is calculated and compared with experimental data. The calculation takes into account a shift in the composite's neutral axis which occurs during bending. The analysis correctly predicts the observed depdndence of the critical current on bending strains

Magnetic response and critical current properties of mesoscopic-size YBCO superconducting samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lisboa-Filho, P N; Deimling, C V; Ortiz, W A

2010-01-01

In this contribution superconducting specimens of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ were synthesized by a modified polymeric precursor method, yielding a ceramic powder with particles of mesoscopic-size. Samples of this powder were then pressed into pellets and sintered under different conditions. The critical current density was analyzed by isothermal AC-susceptibility measurements as a function of the excitation field, as well as with isothermal DC-magnetization runs at different values of the applied field. Relevant features of the magnetic response could be associated to the microstructure of the specimens and, in particular, to the superconducting intra- and intergranular critical current properties.

Magnetic response and critical current properties of mesoscopic-size YBCO superconducting samples

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lisboa-Filho, P N [UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Grupo de Materiais Avancados, Departamento de Fisica, Bauru (Brazil); Deimling, C V; Ortiz, W A, E-mail: plisboa@fc.unesp.b [Grupo de Supercondutividade e Magnetismo, Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos (Brazil)

2010-01-15

In this contribution superconducting specimens of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} were synthesized by a modified polymeric precursor method, yielding a ceramic powder with particles of mesoscopic-size. Samples of this powder were then pressed into pellets and sintered under different conditions. The critical current density was analyzed by isothermal AC-susceptibility measurements as a function of the excitation field, as well as with isothermal DC-magnetization runs at different values of the applied field. Relevant features of the magnetic response could be associated to the microstructure of the specimens and, in particular, to the superconducting intra- and intergranular critical current properties.

Structural and critical current properties in Al-doped MgB2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, D.N.; Xiang, J.Y.; Lang, P.L.; Li, J.Q.; Che, G.C.; Zhao, Z.W.; Wen, H.H.; Tian, H.Y.; Ni, Y.M.; Zhao, Z.X.

2004-01-01

A series of Al-doped Mg 1-x Al x B 2 samples have been fabricated and systematic study on structure and superconducting properties have been carried out for the samples. In addition to a structural transition observed by XRD, TEM micrographs showed the existence of a superstructure of double c-axis lattice constant along the direction perpendicular to the boron honeycomb sheet. In order to investigate the effect of Al doping on flux pinning and critical current properties in MgB 2 , measurements on the superconducting transition temperature T c , irreversible field B irr and critical current density J c were performed too, for the samples with the doping levels lower than 0.15 in particular. These experimental observations were discussed in terms of Al doping induced changes in carrier concentration

Structural and critical current properties in Al-doped MgB 2

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, D. N.; Xiang, J. Y.; Lang, P. L.; Li, J. Q.; Che, G. C.; Zhao, Z. W.; Wen, H. H.; Tian, H. Y.; Ni, Y. M.; Zhao, Z. X.

2004-08-01

A series of Al-doped Mg 1- xAl xB 2 samples have been fabricated and systematic study on structure and superconducting properties have been carried out for the samples. In addition to a structural transition observed by XRD, TEM micrographs showed the existence of a superstructure of double c-axis lattice constant along the direction perpendicular to the boron honeycomb sheet. In order to investigate the effect of Al doping on flux pinning and critical current properties in MgB 2, measurements on the superconducting transition temperature Tc, irreversible field Birr and critical current density Jc were performed too, for the samples with the doping levels lower than 0.15 in particular. These experimental observations were discussed in terms of Al doping induced changes in carrier concentration.

Current algebra of WZNW models at and away from criticality

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdalla, E.; Forger, M.

1992-01-01

In this paper, the authors derive the current algebra of principal chiral models with a Wess-Zumino term. At the critical coupling where the model becomes conformally invariant (Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten theory), this algebra reduces to two commuting Kac-Moody algebras, while in the limit where the coupling constant is taken to zero (ordinary chiral model), we recover the current algebra of that model. In this way, the latter is explicitly realized as a deformation of the former, with the coupling constant as the deformation parameter

Low field critical currents and ac losses of thin film niobium--tin superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howard, R.E.

1977-01-01

The results of a study of the low field critical current and ac loss properties of niobium-tin thin films and layered composites fabricated by electron-beam coevaporation are presented. Particular emphasis is placed upon determining the suitability of this material for use as a conductor in a superconducting power transmission line. Chapter I contains a summary of this work and its major results together with an introduction to the scientific and engineering concepts associated with a superconducting power transmission line. Chapter II is a discussion of the physics of current transport and the associated loss mechanisms in a type-II superconductor. Chapter III gives the details of the electron-beam coevaporation technique developed to fabricate the samples for this study. Also discussed in this chapter are the effects of the evaporation conditions on the growth morphology of the niobium-tin films. Chapter IV presents the details of the experimental techniques developed to measure the ac loss and critical current in these samples as a function of temperature. Chapter V shows the dependence of the critical current of these films and composites on temperature, magnetic field, and on the number of artificially introduced pinning centers in the layered composites. Experimental results are also presented concerning the stability of these conductors against flux jumps. Chapter VI is a discussion of the ac losses in these samples. Detailed comparisons are made between the measured loss and the predictions of the critical state model

Use of the Maximum Torque Sensor to Reduce the Starting Current in the Induction Motor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Muchlas

2010-03-01

Full Text Available Use of the maximum torque sensor has been demonstrated able to improve the standard ramp-up technique in the induction motor circuit system. The induction motor used was of a three-phase squirrel-cage motor controlled using a microcontroller 68HC11. From the simulation done, it has been found that this innovative technique could optimize the performance of motor by introducing low stator current and low power consumption over the standard ramp-up technique.

Measuring the critical current in superconducting samples made of NT-50 under pulse irradiation by high-energy particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasilev, P.G.; Vladimirova, N.M.; Volkov, V.I.; Goncharov, I.N.; Zajtsev, L.N.; Zel'dich, B.D.; Ivanov, V.I.; Kleshchenko, E.D.; Khvostov, V.B.

1981-01-01

The results of tests of superconducting samples of an uninsulated wire of the 0.5 mm diameter, containing 1045 superconducting filaments of the 10 μm diameter made of NT-50 superconductor in a copper matrix, are given. The upper part of the sample (''closed'') is placed between two glass-cloth-base laminate plates of the 50 mm length, and the lower part (''open'') of the 45 mm length is immerged into liquid helium. The sample is located perpendicular to the magnetic field of a superconducting solenoid and it is irradiated by charged particle beams at the energy of several GeV. The measurement results of permissible energy release in the sample depending on subcriticality (I/Isub(c) where I is an operating current through the sample, and Isub(c) is a critical current for lack of the beam) and the particle flux density, as well as of the maximum permissible fluence depending on subcriticality. In case of the ''closed'' sample irradiated by short pulses (approximately 1 ms) for I/Isub(c) [ru

The influence of strain introduced by differential thermal contraction on the critical current of Nb3Sn supercontractors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pasztor, G.; Jakob, B.

1992-01-01

The NET Team initiated in 1988 a development program for a high current cable-in-conduit superconductor planned for fusion magnets. The basic strand chosen for the cable was a Nb 3 Sn wire of TWCA made by the MJR method. The electrical testing of the stand and sub-cables was carried out at several European Laboratories including PSI (Paul Scherrer Institute). The inter-laboratory comparison of the results revealed large differences in the measured critical currents of the strands. Obviously, each laboratory performed the measurement of critical current in its own way, and as a result some discrepancies in the measured values were inevitable. No standard technique of measuring critical current has been developed for Nb 3 Sn wires. The main source of difficulty arises from the strain sensitivity of Nb 3 Sn. It has been shown that the sample holder material and geometry as well as the bonding method of the specimen to its holder have important effects on the critical current measurements. It was found recently that the reaction mandrel material significantly influences the current-carrying capacity of Nb 3 Sn wires. The aim of this paper is to improve current understanding of the effect of sample configuration on critical current in Nb 3 Sn multifilamentary wires. The present study confirms the important role of reaction mandrel material on critical current. Based on comparative critical current measurements of straight and coil samples, an attempt is made to find the sample configuration which eliminates the strain induced in the specimen

Weakest solar wind of the space age and the current 'MINI' solar maximum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McComas, D. J.; Angold, N.; Elliott, H. A.; Livadiotis, G.; Schwadron, N. A.; Smith, C. W.; Skoug, R. M.

2013-01-01

The last solar minimum, which extended into 2009, was especially deep and prolonged. Since then, sunspot activity has gone through a very small peak while the heliospheric current sheet achieved large tilt angles similar to prior solar maxima. The solar wind fluid properties and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) have declined through the prolonged solar minimum and continued to be low through the current mini solar maximum. Compared to values typically observed from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s, the following proton parameters are lower on average from 2009 through day 79 of 2013: solar wind speed and beta (∼11%), temperature (∼40%), thermal pressure (∼55%), mass flux (∼34%), momentum flux or dynamic pressure (∼41%), energy flux (∼48%), IMF magnitude (∼31%), and radial component of the IMF (∼38%). These results have important implications for the solar wind's interaction with planetary magnetospheres and the heliosphere's interaction with the local interstellar medium, with the proton dynamic pressure remaining near the lowest values observed in the space age: ∼1.4 nPa, compared to ∼2.4 nPa typically observed from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s. The combination of lower magnetic flux emergence from the Sun (carried out in the solar wind as the IMF) and associated low power in the solar wind points to the causal relationship between them. Our results indicate that the low solar wind output is driven by an internal trend in the Sun that is longer than the ∼11 yr solar cycle, and they suggest that this current weak solar maximum is driven by the same trend.

Scanning Hall-probe microscopy system for two-dimensional imaging of critical current density in RE-123 coated conductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higashikawa, K.; Inoue, M.; Kawaguchi, T.; Shiohara, K.; Imamura, K.; Kiss, T.; Iijima, Y.; Kakimoto, K.; Saitoh, T.; Izumi, T.

2011-01-01

Nondestructive characterization method of in-plane distribution of critical current density for coated conductors. Current distribution in a coated conductor compared with that from theoretical analysis. Relationship between local critical current density and local magnetic field. We have developed a characterization method for two-dimensional imaging of critical current density in coated conductors (CCs) based on scanning Hall-probe microscopy (SHPM). The distributions of the magnetic field around a sample were measured for several different conditions of external magnetic fields, and then were converted to those of the sheet current density which flowed to shield the external magnetic field or to trap the penetrated magnetic field. As a result, it was found that the amplitude of the sheet current density corresponded to that of critical current density almost in all the area of the sample except for the region where current direction changed. This indicates that we could obtain an in-plane distribution of the critical current density with a spatial resolution of around 100 μm in non-destructive manner by this method. We believe that this measurement will be a multifunctional and comprehensive characterization method for coated conductors.

Enhancement of critical currents in superconducting cylindrical samples by circular magnetization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sikora, A; Makiej, B

1986-07-16

Evidence is presented for an enhancement of the critical current by a circular magnetization in cylindrical samples of superconductors such as Sn, In, and In-Pb alloy containing 20 wt% ferromagnetic carbon steel particles. The mechanism of this phenomenon is explained.

Direct observation of in-plane anisotropy of the superconducting critical current density in Ba (Fe1-xCox) 2As2 crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Hecher, J.; Ishida, S.; Song, D.; Ogino, H.; Iyo, A.; Eisaki, H.; Nakajima, M.; Kagerbauer, D.; Eisterer, M.

2018-01-01

The phase diagram of iron-based superconductors exhibits structural transitions, electronic nematicity, and magnetic ordering, which are often accompanied by an electronic in-plane anisotropy and a sharp maximum of the superconducting critical current density (Jc) near the phase boundary of the tetragonal and the antiferromagnetic-orthorhombic phase. We utilized scanning Hall-probe microscopy to visualize the Jc of twinned and detwinned Ba (Fe1-xCox) 2As2 (x =5 %-8 % ) crystals to compare the electronic normal state properties with superconducting properties. We find that the electronic in-plane anisotropy continues into the superconducting state. The observed correlation between the electronic and the Jc anisotropy agrees qualitatively with basic models, however, the Jc anisotropy is larger than predicted from the resistivity data. Furthermore, our measurements show that the maximum of Jc at the phase boundary does not vanish when the crystals are detwinned. This shows that twin boundaries are not responsible for the large Jc, suggesting an exotic pinning mechanism.

Kiloampere, Variable-Temperature, Critical-Current Measurements of High-Field Superconductors.

Science.gov (United States)

Goodrich, L F; Cheggour, N; Stauffer, T C; Filla, B J; Lu, X F

2013-01-01

We review variable-temperature, transport critical-current (I c) measurements made on commercial superconductors over a range of critical currents from less than 0.1 A to about 1 kA. We have developed and used a number of systems to make these measurements over the last 15 years. Two exemplary variable-temperature systems with coil sample geometries will be described: a probe that is only variable-temperature and a probe that is variable-temperature and variable-strain. The most significant challenge for these measurements is temperature stability, since large amounts of heat can be generated by the flow of high current through the resistive sample fixture. Therefore, a significant portion of this review is focused on the reduction of temperature errors to less than ±0.05 K in such measurements. A key feature of our system is a pre-regulator that converts a flow of liquid helium to gas and heats the gas to a temperature close to the target sample temperature. The pre-regulator is not in close proximity to the sample and it is controlled independently of the sample temperature. This allows us to independently control the total cooling power, and thereby fine tune the sample cooling power at any sample temperature. The same general temperature-control philosophy is used in all of our variable-temperature systems, but the addition of another variable, such as strain, forces compromises in design and results in some differences in operation and protocol. These aspects are analyzed to assess the extent to which the protocols for our systems might be generalized to other systems at other laboratories. Our approach to variable-temperature measurements is also placed in the general context of measurement-system design, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of design choices are presented. To verify the accuracy of the variable-temperature measurements, we compared critical-current values obtained on a specimen immersed in liquid helium ("liquid" or I c liq) at 5

Critical current fluctuation in a microwave-driven Josephson junction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dong Ning; Sun Guozhu; Wang Yiwen; Cao Junyu; Yu Yang; Chen Jian; Kang Lin; Xu Weiwei; Han Siyuan; Wu Peiheng

2007-01-01

Josephson junction devices are good candidates for quantum computation. A large energy splitting was observed in the spectroscopy of a superconducting Josephson junction. The presence of the critical current fluctuation near the energy splitting indicated coupling between the junction and a two-level system. Furthermore, we find that this fluctuation is microwave dependent. It only appears at certain microwave frequency. This relation suggested that the decoherence of qubits is influenced by the necessary computing operations

A Novel Technique for Maximum Power Point Tracking of a Photovoltaic Based on Sensing of Array Current Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)

Science.gov (United States)

El-Zoghby, Helmy M.; Bendary, Ahmed F.

2016-10-01

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is now widely used method in increasing the photovoltaic (PV) efficiency. The conventional MPPT methods have many problems concerning the accuracy, flexibility and efficiency. The MPP depends on the PV temperature and solar irradiation that randomly varied. In this paper an artificial intelligence based controller is presented through implementing of an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to obtain maximum power from PV. The ANFIS inputs are the temperature and cell current, and the output is optimal voltage at maximum power. During operation the trained ANFIS senses the PV current using suitable sensor and also senses the temperature to determine the optimal operating voltage that corresponds to the current at MPP. This voltage is used to control the boost converter duty cycle. The MATLAB simulation results shows the effectiveness of the ANFIS with sensing the PV current in obtaining the MPPT from the PV.

Calculation of the Critical Current Reduction in a Brittle Round Multifilamentary Wire due to External Forces

NARCIS (Netherlands)

ten Haken, Bernard; Godeke, A.; ten Kate, Herman H.J.

1994-01-01

A simple model is presented that can describe the electro-mechanical state of a multifilamentary wire. An elastic cylinder model is used to derive the strain state analytically. Axial and transverse forces came a position dependent critical current density in the wire. The integral critical current

Critical current degradation in superconducting niobium-titanium alloys in external magnetic fields under loading

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bojko, V.S.; Lazareva, M.B.; Starodubov, Ya.D.; Chernyj, O.V.; Gorbatenko, V.M.

1992-01-01

The effect of external magnetic fields on the stress at which the critical current starts to degrade (the degradation threshold σ 0 e ) under mechanical loads in superconducting Nb-Ti alloys is studied and a possible mechanism of realization of the effect observed is proposed.It is assumed that additional stresses on the transformation dislocation from the external magnetic fields are beneficial for the growth of martensite inclusions whose superconducting parameters (critical current density j k and critical temperature T k ) are lower then those in the initial material.The degradation threshold is studied experimentally in external magnetic fields H up to 7 T.The linear dependence σ 0 e (H) is observed.It is shown that external magnetic fields play an important role in the critical current degradation at the starting stages of deformation.This fact supports the assumption that the degradation of superconducting parameters under loading are due to the phenomenon of superelasticity,i.e. a reversible load-induced change in the martensite inclusions sizes rather than the reversible mechanical twinning.The results obtained are thought to be important to estimating superconducting solenoid stability in a wide range of magnetic fields

Microstructure and critical current of superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/Osub(7-x)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Camps, R A; Evetts, J E; Glowacki, B A; Newcomb, S B; Somekh, R E; Stobbs, W M

1987-09-17

The authors present the main results of a detailed electron microscopical study of sintered YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/0sub(7-x), and discuss their relevance to observed critical current and its modification by increased silicon impurity levels. In the light of these results, the prospects are assessed for controlling microstructure development so as to optimize the critical current for technological application.

Grain size dependence of the critical current density in YBa2Cu3Ox superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuwabara, M.; Shimooka, H.

1989-01-01

The grain size dependence of the critical current density in bulk single-phase YBa 2 Cu 3 O x ceramics was investigated. The grain size of the materials was changed to range approximately from 1.0 to 25 μm by changing the conditions of power processing and sintering, associated with an increase in the sintered density of the materials with increasing grain size. The critical current density has been found to exhibit a significant grain size dependence, changing from 880 A/cm 2 to a value of 100 A/cm 2 with a small increase in the average grain size from 1.2 to 2.0 μm. This seems to provide information about the nature of the weak link between superconducting grains which might govern the critical current density of the materials

The nature of transport critical current hysteresis in HTSC: magnetic fields and high pressures. [Y-Ba-Cu-O

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Svistunov, V M; Yachenko, A.I. d' ; Tarenkov, V Yu [Donetsk Physico-Technical Inst., Ukrainian SSR (USSR)

1991-12-01

It was found that pressure has a strong influence on the critical current hysteresis loop of ceramics at H {proportional to} 10 kOe. The phenomenon is attributed to the critical current hysteresis of separate Josephson contacts and is due to the Abrikosov vortex density gradient within granules. The gradient defines both the sign and the value of the pinning current, whereas the sign of Meissner reversible surfaces current component is determined by the external field H direction. As a result the critical current of Josephson contacts defined by the total surface value depends on the magnetic prehistory of a sample. (orig.).

Nb/sub 3/Sn critical-current measurements using tubular fiberglass-epoxy mandrels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goodrich, L.F.; Bray, S.L.; Stauffer, T.C.

1989-01-01

A systematic study of the effect of sample mounting techniques on the superconducting critical-current measurement was made in conjunction with the VAMAS (Versailles Agreement on Advanced Materials and Standards) interlaboratory comparison (round robin) measurements. A seemingly small change in mandrel geometry can result in a 40% change in the measured critical current of a Nb/sub 3/Sn sample at 12 T. This is a result of a change in the conductor pre-strain at 4 K caused by variation in thermal contraction between thick- and thin-walled fiberglass-epoxy composite (G-10) tubes. An approximate measure of the variations in thermal contraction (from room to liquid nitrogen temperature) indicate a 0.2% greater contraction for the thick-walled tube. This difference, combined with strain sensitivity measurements, is consistent with the observed decrease in critical current. Previous publications on thermal contraction of G-10 have addressed the plate geometry, but not the tube geometry. The contraction of a G-10 plate is highly anisotropic. The radial contraction of a tube is different than the contraction of a plate, however, because the circumferential fiberglass is put into hoop compression by the epoxy, and the resulting contraction is a competition between the two structural components. This appears to be the source of the variation in thermal contraction with tube wall thickness

Prospects for enhancement of critical current of HTSC: thin films with artificial pinning centres

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mozhaev, P.B. (Institute of Physics and Technology RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation)); Mozhaev, J.E.; Khoryushin, A.V.; Bindslev Hansen, J.; Jacobsen, C.S. (Technical Univ. of Denmark, Dept. of Physics, Kgs. Lyngby (Denmark)); Kotelyanskil, I.M.; Luzanov, V.A. (Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation)); Puriy, A.V. (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow (Russian Federation)); Yurchenko, V.; Johansen, T. (Univ. of Oslo, Dept. of Physics, Oslo (Norway))

2008-10-15

Improvement of the critical current of YBCO thin films and heterostructures remains one of the main tasks for fabrication of modern superconducting wires and connectors. Possible ways of achieving the goal are choice of superconductor composition, engineering of artificial pinning centres, and combination of the superconducting layer with other materials. The team of the Department of Physics at Technical University of Denmark is working in all these fields and this paper is a short review of our achievements in an attempt to improve the critical current density of YBCO thin films. (au)

Tensile Strain Dependence of Critical Current for RHQ-Nb3Al Wires

OpenAIRE

Jin, Xinzhe; Oguro, Hidetoshi; Nakamoto, Tatsushi; Awaji, Satoshi; Ogitsu, Toru; Tsuchiya, Kiyosumi; Yamamoto, Akira; Kikuchi, Akihiro; Takeuchi, Takao

2011-01-01

KEK and NIMS have been jointly developing Nb3Al superconducting wire with a rapid heating and quenching (RHQ) method towards high field accelerator magnets in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) luminosity upgrade. A15-type superconductors such as Nb3Al and Nb3Sn exhibit strain dependence with respect to their critical currents. Therefore, a thorough understanding of strain behavior is necessary for high field accelerator magnet development, which will be critical for the luminosity upgrade of th...

Transport critical current density in flux creep model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, J.; Taylor, K.N.R.; Russell, G.J.; Yue, Y.

1992-01-01

The magnetic flux creep model has been used to derive the temperature dependence of the critical current density in high temperature superconductors. The generally positive curvature of the J c -T diagram is predicted in terms of two interdependent dimensionless fitting parameters. In this paper, the results are compared with both SIS and SNS junction models of these granular materials, neither of which provides a satisfactory prediction of the experimental data. A hybrid model combining the flux creep and SNS mechanisms is shown to be able to account for the linear regions of the J c -T behavior which are observed in some materials

Contactless estimation of critical current density and its temperature dependence using magnetic measurements

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Youssef, A.; Baničová, L.; Švindrych, Zdeněk; Janů, Zdeněk

2010-01-01

Roč. 118, č. 5 (2010), s. 1036-1037 ISSN 0587-4246. [Czech and Slovak Conference on Magnetism /14./. Košice, 06.07.2010-09.07.2010] R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) ME10069 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100520 Keywords : superconductivity * critical state * Bean model * critical current density Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.467, year: 2010

Contradiction between the results of observations of resistance and critical current quantum oscillations in asymmetric superconducting rings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gurtovoi, V. L.; Dubonos, S. V.; Karpii, S. V.; Nikulov, A. V.; Tulin, V. A.

2007-01-01

Magnetic field dependences of critical current, resistance, and rectified voltage of asymmetric (half circles of different widths) and symmetrical (half circles of equal widths) aluminum rings close to the super-conducting transition were measured. All these dependences are periodic magnetic field functions with periods corresponding to the flux quantum in the ring. The periodic dependences of critical current measured in opposite directions were found to be close to each other for symmetrical rings and shifted with respect to each other by half the flux quantum in asymmetric rings with ratios between half circle widths of from 1.25 to 2. This shift of the dependences by a quarter of the flux quantum as the ring becomes asymmetric makes critical current anisotropic, which explains the effect of alternating current rectification observed for asymmetric rings. Shifts of the extrema of the periodic dependences of critical current by a quarter of the flux quantum directly contradict the results obtained by measuring asymmetric ring resistance oscillations, whose extrema are, as for symmetrical rings, observed at magnetic fluxes equal to an integer and a half of flux quanta

Analysis of critical thinking ability in direct current electrical problems solving

Science.gov (United States)

Hartono; Sunarno, Widha; Sarwanto; Arya Nugraha, Dewanta

2017-11-01

This study concern on analyzing the ability of students in critical thinking skills on the subject matter of direct current electricity. Samples were taken using purposive random sampling consisted of 32 students of grade XI, Multimedia 1, SMK Negeri 3 Surakarta in academic year 2016/2017. This study used descriptive quantitative method. The data were collected using tests and interviews regarding the subject matter of direct current electricity. Based on the results, students are getting some difficulties in solving problem in indicator 4. The average of students’ correct answer is 62.8%.

Maximum neutron flux in thermal reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strugar, P.V.

1968-12-01

Direct approach to the problem is to calculate spatial distribution of fuel concentration if the reactor core directly using the condition of maximum neutron flux and comply with thermal limitations. This paper proved that the problem can be solved by applying the variational calculus, i.e. by using the maximum principle of Pontryagin. Mathematical model of reactor core is based on the two-group neutron diffusion theory with some simplifications which make it appropriate from maximum principle point of view. Here applied theory of maximum principle are suitable for application. The solution of optimum distribution of fuel concentration in the reactor core is obtained in explicit analytical form. The reactor critical dimensions are roots of a system of nonlinear equations and verification of optimum conditions can be done only for specific examples

Flux pinning and critical current in layered type-II superconductors in parallel magnetic fields

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prokic, V.; Davidovic, D.; Dobrosavljevic-Grujic, L.

1995-01-01

We have shown, within the Ginzburg-Landau theory, that the interaction between vortices and normal-metal layers in high-T c superconductor--normal-metal superlattices can cause high critical-current densities j c . The interaction is primarily magnetic, except at very low temperatures T, where the core interaction is dominant. For a lattice of vortices commensurate with an array of normal-metal layers in a parallel magnetic field H, strong magnetic pinning is obtained, with a nonmonotonic critical-current dependence on H, and with j c of the order of 10 7 --10 8 A/cm 2

Critical current densities and vortex dynamics in FeTexSe1-x single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taen, T.; Tsuchiya, Y.; Nakajima, Y.; Tamegai, T.

2010-01-01

The critical current density and the normalized relaxation rate are reported in FeTe 0.59 Se 0.41 single crystal. Critical current density is of order of 10 5 A/cm 2 , which is comparable to that in Co-doped BaFe 2 As 2 . In low temperature and low field region, the vortex dynamics of this system is well defined by the collective creep theory, which is quite similar to Co-doped BaFe 2 As 2 reported before. We also discuss the origin of the anomaly in the field dependence of the relaxation rate.

Maximum power demand cost

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biondi, L.

1998-01-01

The charging for a service is a supplier's remuneration for the expenses incurred in providing it. There are currently two charges for electricity: consumption and maximum demand. While no problem arises about the former, the issue is more complicated for the latter and the analysis in this article tends to show that the annual charge for maximum demand arbitrarily discriminates among consumer groups, to the disadvantage of some [it

Development of MgB2 superconductor wire with high critical current

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Chan Joong; Jun, Byung Hyuk; Park, Soon Dong; Kim, Nam Kyu; Kim, Yi Jeong; Yi, Ji Hye; Lee, Ji Hyun; Tan, Kai Sin

2009-07-01

The MgB 2 superconductor with smaller grain size could improve its critical properties by providing flux pinning centers with high grain boundary density. The effects of C doping such as charcoal, paper ash and glycerin on the superconducting properties was investigated for in situ processed MgB 2 samples using low purity semi-crystalline B powder. The results show a decrease in Tc and an enhancement of Jc at high fields for the C-doped samples as compared to the un-doped samples. A combined process of a mechanical ball milling and liquid glycerin (C 3 H 8 O 3 ) treatment of B powder has been conducted to enhance the superconducting properties of MgB 2 . The mechanical ball milling was effective for grain refinement, and a lattice disorder was easily achieved by glycerin addition. With the combined process, the critical properties was further increased due to a higher grain boundary density and a greater C substitution. To get fine grain structure of MgB 2 with high critical current properties, mechanical milling for as-received B powder and low temperature solid-state reaction of 550 or 600 .deg. C were attempted to in situ powder-in-tube processed MgB 2 /Fe wires. The critical current properties of the MgB 2 wires using the milled B powder were enhanced due to a smaller grain size and an increased volume of the superconducting phase. The solid-state reaction of a low temperature process for the samples using the milled B powder resulted in a poorer crystallinity with a smaller grain size, which improved superconducting properties. We established the system to measure the transport current properties of the MgB 2 wires. The field dependence of the transport Jc was evaluated for the MgB 2 wires heat-treated at different heat treatment conditions using ball-milled and glycerin-treated B powder. The MgB 2 magnet was developed and the AC loss of MgB 2 wire was also investigated. A conduction cooling device to cool the MgB 2 coil down to 4 K has been fabricated and the

Calibration of Hall sensor array for critical current measurement of YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu, Yunpeng; Wang, Gang; Liu, Liyuan; Yang, Xinsheng; Zhao, Yong

2015-01-01

Abstract : HAS (Hall sensor array) is a powerful tool to detect the uniformity of HTS (high temperature superconductor) tape through mapping the distribution of remanent or shielding field along the surface of the tape. However, measurement of HTS tape with ferromagnetic parts by HSA is still an issue because the ferromagnetic substrate has influence on the magnetic field around the HTS layer. In this work, a continuous HSA system has been designed to measure the critical current of the YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate. The relationship between the remanent field and critical current was calibrated by the finite element method. The result showed that the HSA is an effective method for evaluating the critical current of the HTS tape with ferromagnetic substrate. - Highlight: • A continuous Hall sensor array system has been designed. • The inhomogeneity of YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate can be detected by HAS. • Finite element method is an effective method for calibrating the remanent field.

Numerical versus analytical Ic(H) patterns in Josephson junctions with periodically alternating critical current density

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lazarides, N

2004-01-01

An analytical expression for the magnetic-field-dependent critical current I c (H) of Josephson junctions with periodically alternating critical current density J c (x) is derived within the uniform field approximation. Comparison with numerically calculated I c (H) patterns for junctions with identical, thick, periodically arranged defects with the corresponding analytical expression reveals fair agreement for a wide range of parameters, due to increased characteristic length. Based on qualitative arguments, we give the dependence of the new characteristic length on the geometrical parameters of the junction, which is in agreement with self-consistent calculations with the static sine-Gordon equation. The analytical expression captures the observed qualitative features of the I c (H) patterns, while it is practically exact for short junctions or high fields. It also produces the shift of the major peak from the zero-field position of the standard Fraunhofer pattern to another position related to the periodicity of the critical current density in φ-junctions

Investigation on the enhancement of the critical current densities in bronze-process Nb3Sn

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hong, M.; Wu, I.W.; Morris, J.W. Jr.; Gilbert, W.; Hassenzahl, W.V.; Taylor, C.

1981-10-01

The work reported here addressed the problem of improving the critical current characteristic of a comercial multifilamentary Nb 3 Sn strand by varying its heat treatment. The work was done from the perspective that the critical current characteristic is controlled by the metallurgical state of the reacted layer, which is, in turn, fixed by the processing the wire has undergone. The research was carried out in parallel with metallographic studies which analyzed the microstructure and composition profile within the reacted Nb 3 Sn layer as a function of heat treatment. The combined results of metallographic and processing research suggest that it is possible to engineer the microstructure of the reacted layer to improve J/sub c/(H). The specific product of the work is a tailored double-aging treatment which introduces a favorable combination of microstructure and composition in the reacted layer and causes a substantial improvement in the critical current characteristic of the strand

Calibration of Hall sensor array for critical current measurement of YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Yunpeng; Wang, Gang; Liu, Liyuan [Key laboratory of Magnetic levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education), Superconductor and New Energy R& D Center, Mail Stop 165#, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 (China); Yang, Xinsheng, E-mail: xsyang@swjtu.edu.cn [Key laboratory of Magnetic levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education), Superconductor and New Energy R& D Center, Mail Stop 165#, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 (China); Zhao, Yong [Key laboratory of Magnetic levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education), Superconductor and New Energy R& D Center, Mail Stop 165#, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 (China); Superconductivity Research Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wale, Sydney 2052, NSW (Australia)

2015-12-15

Abstract : HAS (Hall sensor array) is a powerful tool to detect the uniformity of HTS (high temperature superconductor) tape through mapping the distribution of remanent or shielding field along the surface of the tape. However, measurement of HTS tape with ferromagnetic parts by HSA is still an issue because the ferromagnetic substrate has influence on the magnetic field around the HTS layer. In this work, a continuous HSA system has been designed to measure the critical current of the YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate. The relationship between the remanent field and critical current was calibrated by the finite element method. The result showed that the HSA is an effective method for evaluating the critical current of the HTS tape with ferromagnetic substrate. - Highlight: • A continuous Hall sensor array system has been designed. • The inhomogeneity of YBCO tape with ferromagnetic substrate can be detected by HAS. • Finite element method is an effective method for calibrating the remanent field.

Simulation of transport critical current of Bi2223/Ag tape with ferromagnetic shielding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gu, C.; Alamgir, A.K.M.; Qu, T.M.; Han, Z.

2008-01-01

Ferromagnetic shielding (FS) was coated onto the surface of the Bi2223/Ag multi-filamentary tape. Transport critical current of the Bi2223/Ag multi-filamentary tape with a FS was systematically studied by numerical simulation. In the help of a finite element analysis (FEA) tool, we are able to understand how the FS alters the flux inside the superconductor region and thus increases and decreases the critical current density locally. The results show the open FS function both positively and negatively to the performance of the tape. An optimization process was proposed, aiming to reach a tradeoff between I c increasing and less usage of the ferromagnetic material. Three important shielding parameters, shielding width, shielding thickness, and shielding material were taken into account

Simulation of transport critical current of Bi2223/Ag tape with ferromagnetic shielding

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gu, C. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)], E-mail: guchen@tsinghua.edu.cn; Alamgir, A.K.M. [Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 75-9 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, ku, Yokohama (Japan); Qu, T.M. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education (China); Han, Z. [Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)

2008-09-15

Ferromagnetic shielding (FS) was coated onto the surface of the Bi2223/Ag multi-filamentary tape. Transport critical current of the Bi2223/Ag multi-filamentary tape with a FS was systematically studied by numerical simulation. In the help of a finite element analysis (FEA) tool, we are able to understand how the FS alters the flux inside the superconductor region and thus increases and decreases the critical current density locally. The results show the open FS function both positively and negatively to the performance of the tape. An optimization process was proposed, aiming to reach a tradeoff between I{sub c} increasing and less usage of the ferromagnetic material. Three important shielding parameters, shielding width, shielding thickness, and shielding material were taken into account.

Critical tunnel currents and dissipation of Quantum-Hall bilayers in the excitonic condensate state

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoon, Y; Huang, X; Yarar, E; Dietsche, W; Tiemann, L; Schmult, S; Klitzing, K v

2011-01-01

Transport and tunneling is studied in the regime of the excitonic condensate at total filling factor one using the counterflow geometry. At small currents the coupling between the layers is large making the two layers virtually electrically inseparable. Above a critical current the tunneling becomes negligible. An onset of dissipation in the longitudinal transport is observed in the same current range.

The critically endangered forest owlet Heteroglaux blewitti is nested within the currently recognized Athene clade: A century-old debate addressed.

Science.gov (United States)

Koparde, Pankaj; Mehta, Prachi; Reddy, Sushma; Ramakrishnan, Uma; Mukherjee, Shomita; Robin, V V

2018-01-01

Range-restricted species generally have specific niche requirements and may often have unique evolutionary histories. Unfortunately, many of these species severely lack basic research, resulting in poor conservation strategies. The phylogenetic relationship of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti has been the subject of a century-old debate. The current classifications based on non-phylogenetic comparisons of morphology place the small owls of Asia into three genera, namely, Athene, Glaucidium, and Heteroglaux. Based on morphological and anatomical data, H. blewitti has been alternatively hypothesized to belong within Athene, Glaucidium, or its own monotypic genus Heteroglaux. To test these competing hypotheses, we sequenced six loci (~4300 bp data) and performed phylogenetic analyses of owlets. Mitochondrial and nuclear trees were not congruent in their placement of H. blewitti. However, both mitochondrial and nuclear combined datasets showed strong statistical support with high maximum likelihood bootstrap (>/ = 90) and Bayesian posterior probability values (>/ = 0.98) for H. blewitti being nested in the currently recognized Athene group, but not sister to Indian A. brama. The divergence of H. blewitti from its sister taxa was between 4.3 and 5.7 Ma coinciding with a period of drastic climatic changes in the Indian subcontinent. This study presented the first genetic analysis of H. blewitti, a Critically Endangered species, and addressed the long debate on the relationships of the Athene-Heteroglaux-Glaucidium complex. We recommend further studies with more data and complete taxon sampling to understand the biogeography of Indian Athene species.

Critical currents and flux-pinning properties in PbMo6S8 superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noto, K.; Hamasaki, K.; Komata, T.; Saito, T.; Watanabe, K.; Yamashita, T.

1986-01-01

We report on recent investigations of the fabrication of PbMo 6 S 8 tapes prepared using an electro-plating and diffusion technique. Measurement of critical currents was carried out in either 16.5 T superconducting magnet, or 20.5 T (HM-3) and 23 T (HM-2) hybrid magnets in High Field Laboratory for Superconducting Materials RIISOM, Tohoku University in Japan. After optimal reaction the critical temperature measured by a resistive method reaches about 14.5 K, and a transition width was less than 0.5 K. Critical current densities are relatively high in a low magnetic field, and reached 1X10 4 A/cm 2 in a 15 T magnetic field at 4.2 K. However, J /SUB c/ 's in a strong magnetic field above 15 T are still insufficient for practical applications. In some of these samples pinning force densities were found to obey a simple scaling law, and in most cases the scaling is not obey. Poor J /SUB c/ -B characteristics in a strong magnetic field may be due to inhomogeneities of this compound

The potential of large critical currents in the high Tc oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deutcher, G.

1993-01-01

The potential for high critical current densities is examined. on a thermodynamical basis, the energy scale for vortex pinning can be derived for instance from a measurement of the width of the critical region. This energy scale is of the order of 0.2 eV in YBCO, which is sufficient for practical applications. Another important parameter is the short coherence length. The inner plane length, of the order of a few lattice spacing, is favorable for pinning by point defects. But the very short outer plane length gives rise to anomalous magnetic behavior, unfavorable for high-field applications at high temperature; this is true in particular in most anisotropic oxides, such as the Bi compounds (author)

Influence of electron spectrum dielectrizations on critical current of the Josephson medium BaPb1-xBixO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vojtenko, A.I.; Gabovich, A.M.; Moiseev, D.P.; Postnikov, V.M.; Shpigel', A.S.

1990-01-01

Temperature dependences of the critical current I c across the symmetrical tunnel Josephson junctions between superconductors with partially-gapped electron spectrum were calculated. Densities J c of the critical current for the bulk Josephson-type samples and current-voltage characteristics of the tunnel-type were measured

Higher spin currents in the critical O(N) vector model at 1/N2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manashov, A.N.; Strohmaier, M.

2017-06-01

We calculate the anomalous dimensions of higher spin singlet currents in the critical O(N) vector model at order 1/N 2 . The results are shown to be in agreement with the four-loop perturbative computation in φ 4 theory in 4-2ε dimensions. It is known that the order 1/N anomalous dimensions of higher-spin currents happen to be the same in the Gross-Neveu and the critical vector model. On the contrary, the order 1/N 2 corrections are different. The results can also be interpreted as a prediction for the two-loop computation in the dual higher-spin gravity.

Critical report of current fisheries management measures implemented for the North Sea mixed demersal fisheries

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, J. Rasmus; Ulrich, Clara; Hegland, Troels J.

The present report is an EU-FP7-SOCIOEC Report giving an overview and critical evaluation of the current management measures implemented for the North Sea mixed demersal fisheries and the fish stocks involved in this. Also, this involves review and critical evaluation of the scientific advice...

Influence of the current-phase relation on the critical-current-applied-magnetic-flux dependence in parallel-connected Josephson junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsang, W.; Van Duzer, T.

1976-01-01

The form of the current-phase relations for the Josephson junctions is shown to have a significant influence on the relation I/sub c/(theta/sub a/) between critical current and applied flux for two junctions connected in parallel in a superconducting circuit. The observed one-flux-quantum periodicity and inversion symmetry of the I/sub c/(theta/sub a/) relation are shown to result from the fact that the current-phase, i-phi, relations of the junctions satisfy i (phi+2mπ) =i (phi) and i (-phi) =-i (phi), respectively. It is also shown that if the current-phase relations for the two junctions are different, an asymmetry appears in the I/sub c/(theta/sub a/)

Improved critical current densities and compressive strength in porous superconducting structures containing calcium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walsh, D; Hall, S R; Wimbush, S C

2008-01-01

Templated control of crystallization by biopolymers is a new technique in the synthesis of high temperature superconducting phases. By controlling the way YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (Y123) materials crystallize and are organized in three dimensions, the critical current density can be improved. In this work, we present the results of doping superconducting sponges with calcium ions, which result in higher critical current densities (J c ) and improved compressive strength compared to that of commercially available Y123, in spite of minor reductions in T c . Y123 synthesis using the biopolymer dextran achieves not only an extremely effective oxygenation of the superconductor but also an in situ template-directing of the crystal morphology producing high J c , homogeneous superconducting structures with nano-scale crystallinity

Critical current of the nonuniform Josephson transition at intergranular boundary with random dislocation distribution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mejlikhov, E.Z.; Farzetdinova, R.M.

1997-01-01

Critical current of inhomogeneous intergranular Josephson transition is calculated in the assumption concerning superconductivity suppression by local strains of boundary dislocations with random distribution

What happens in Josephson junctions at high critical current densities

Science.gov (United States)

Massarotti, D.; Stornaiuolo, D.; Lucignano, P.; Caruso, R.; Galletti, L.; Montemurro, D.; Jouault, B.; Campagnano, G.; Arani, H. F.; Longobardi, L.; Parlato, L.; Pepe, G. P.; Rotoli, G.; Tagliacozzo, A.; Lombardi, F.; Tafuri, F.

2017-07-01

The impressive advances in material science and nanotechnology are more and more promoting the use of exotic barriers and/or superconductors, thus paving the way to new families of Josephson junctions. Semiconducting, ferromagnetic, topological insulator and graphene barriers are leading to unconventional and anomalous aspects of the Josephson coupling, which might be useful to respond to some issues on key problems of solid state physics. However, the complexity of the layout and of the competing physical processes occurring in the junctions is posing novel questions on the interpretation of their phenomenology. We classify some significant behaviors of hybrid and unconventional junctions in terms of their first imprinting, i.e., current-voltage curves, and propose a phenomenological approach to describe some features of junctions characterized by relatively high critical current densities Jc. Accurate arguments on the distribution of switching currents will provide quantitative criteria to understand physical processes occurring in high-Jc junctions. These notions are universal and apply to all kinds of junctions.

A statistical study of current-sheet formation above solar active regions based on selforganized criticality

Science.gov (United States)

Dimitropoulou, M.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.; Georgoulis, M.; Anastasiadis, A.; Toutountzi, A.

2013-09-01

We treat flaring solar active regions as physical systems having reached the self-organized critical state. Their evolving magnetic configurations in the low corona may satisfy an instability criterion, related to the excession of a specific threshold in the curl of the magnetic field. This imposed instability criterion implies an almost zero resistivity everywhere in the solar corona, except in regions where magnetic-field discontinuities and. hence, local currents, reach the critical value. In these areas, current-driven instabilities enhance the resistivity by many orders of magnitude forming structures which efficiently accelerate charged particles. Simulating the formation of such structures (thought of as current sheets) via a refined SOC cellular-automaton model provides interesting information regarding their statistical properties. It is shown that the current density in such unstable regions follows power-law scaling. Furthermore, the size distribution of the produced current sheets is best fitted by power laws, whereas their formation probability is investigated against the photospheric magnetic configuration (e.g. Polarity Inversion Lines, Plage). The average fractal dimension of the produced current sheets is deduced depending on the selected critical threshold. The above-mentioned statistical description of intermittent electric field structures can be used by collisional relativistic test particle simulations, aiming to interpret particle acceleration in flaring active regions and in strongly turbulent media in astrophysical plasmas. The above work is supported by the Hellenic National Space Weather Research Network (HNSWRN) via the THALIS Programme.

Field mapping measurements to determine spatial and field dependence of critical current density in YBCO tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leclerc, J.; Berger, K.; Douine, B.; Lévêque, J.

2013-01-01

Highlights: • A method for characterizing superconducting tapes from field mapping is presented. • A new and efficient field mapping apparatus has been setup. • This method allows the spatial characterization of superconducting tapes. • The critical current density is obtained as a function of the flux density. • This method has been experimentally tested on an YBCO tape. -- Abstract: In this paper a measurement method that allows the determination of the critical current density of superconducting tape from field mapping measurements is presented. This contact-free method allows obtaining characteristics of the superconductor as a function of the position and of the applied flux density. With some modifications, this technique can be used for reel-to-reel measurements. The determination of the critical current density is based on an inverse calculation. This involves calculating the current distribution in the tape from magnetic measurements. An YBaCuO tape has been characterized at 77 K. A defect in this superconductor has been identified. Various tests were carried out to check the efficiency of the method. The inverse calculation was tested theoretically and experimentally. Comparison with a transport current measurement was also performed

Experimental and numerical study of influence of ferromagnetic cover on critical current of BiSCCO-2223/Ag tape superconductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vojenciak, M; Souc, J; Goemoery, F

2009-01-01

Samples of commercially available BiSCCO-2223/Ag tape have been partially covered by the ferromagnetic material. Improvement of the self-field critical current up to 15 % has been achieved by this procedure. A critical current of such tape strongly depends on geometric and magnetic properties of both, the superconducting tape as well as the ferromagnetic cover. Numerical simulations, based on the critical state model using commercial finite element method (FEM) code, have been performed. Properties of superconductor are characterized by anisotropic dependence of the critical current density on magnetic field as well as detail geometry of filaments. The ferromagnetic material is characterized by nonlinear magnetization curve. Nonlinear dependences of the critical current on selected parameters are shown in this work. Optimization of the cover parameters using these curves has been made. Samples with various parameters have been manufactured for the confirmation of numerical simulations results. Experimental results are in good qualitative agreement with results obtained by numerical simulations.

Influence of two-stage annealing treatment on critical current of bronze-processed multifilamentary Nb/sub 3/Sn superconducting materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, S.; Osamura, K.; Ryoji, M.

1987-01-01

The influence of changes of volume fraction of Nb/sub 3/Sn, grain size and upper critical magnetic field due to two-stage annealing treatment (low temperature annealing to form fine grains + high temperature annealing to raise upper critical magnetic field) on overall critical current and critical current density were studied at magnetic field of 3-15 T. When annealing temperature was low (773-923 K) and the volume fraction of Nb/sub 3/Sn was low in first stage annealing, second stage annealing could raise the overall critical current over the range of the applied magnetic field due to increase in upper critical magnetic field H/sub c2/ and volume fraction of Nb/sub 3/Sn accompanying with reduction in Sn concentration in the bronze matrix, which played a role to reduce residual strain in Nb/sub 3/Sn, leading to high H/sub c2/ although the loss in pinning force arose from the coarsening of the grains. When the annealing temperature was high (973 K) and the Nb/sub 3/Sn was formed until the Sn was consumed in the first stage, second stage annealing could not raise the critical current due to increase in grain size and no effective increase in H/sub c2/. The critical current density at low magnetic fields below several Teslas was reduced by the second stage annealing due to increase in grain size but that at high fields was raised due to increase in high H/sub c2/. The reverse two-stage annealing treatment (high temperature annealing in the first stage+low temperature annealing in the second stage) reduced the H/sub c2/ slightly with increasing second stage annealing temperature and time. The critical current density at low magnetic fields was determined mainly by the grain size and that at high fields was determined by the combination of the upper critical field and grain size

Higher critical current density achieved in Bi-2223 High-Tc superconductors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M.S. Shalaby

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (Bi-2223 were prepared using a solid state reaction method at different sintering times and temperatures. Structural phase identifications have been done using X-Ray analysis and refinement by Reitveld method which proves the coexistence of Bi-2223 and Bi-2212 phases. The critical transition temperature Tc and critical current density Jc values were measured using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer (SQUID and by the magneto-optics technique. A remarkable rapid decrease to the diamagnetic signal in the magnetization versus temperature M(T at 110 K and Jc around 1.2 × 107 A/m2 at 5 K are confirmed for the Bi-2223 compound.

ac loss and dc critical current densities of Nb3Sn tapes by the solid state diffusion process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suenaga, M.; Klamut, C.; Bussiere, J.F.

1976-01-01

The effects of metallurgical processing on 60 Hz ac losses and dc critical currents in Nb 3 Sn tapes fabricated by the solid state diffusion technique were investigated. An addition of Al to the Cu--Sn alloy for the matrix resulted in large reduction in the ac losses of Nb 3 Sn tapes, but the highest linear critical current densities were observed in Nb 3 Sn tapes produced with a Nb-1 wt percent Zr core in a Cu-13 wt percent Sn matrix. Values of the losses and the critical currents in these tapes can meet the present requirements for the ac superconducting power cables

Exponential temperature dependence of the critical transport current in Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yom, S.S.; Hahn, T.S.; Kim, Y.H.; Chu, H.; Choi, S.S.

1989-01-01

We have measured the critical currents in rf-sputtered YBa 2 Cu 3 O/sub 7-x/ thin films deposited on polycrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates as a function of temperature down to 10 K. The dependence of the granular films at low temperature indicated exponential behavior which is similar to the superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (S-N-S) type tunneling junctions. For the films with a grain size of approximately 1 μm, we observed two exponential decay constants, which suggest that Josephson junctions limiting the transport critical current are possible both at the grain boundaries and at twin boundaries

Critical current density of four-CuO2-layer T1Ba2Ca3Cu4O11-δ

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, L.; Liu, J.Z.; Shelton, R.N.

1998-01-01

Full text: A key requirement for technological application is to have superconductors with high critical current density at practical operating temperatures and magnetic fields. The critical current density is strongly related to underlying properties of high T c superconductors, such as layering, anisotropy and other intrinsic material structures. The thallium-based superconductors attracted much attention at early stage mainly due to their high superconducting transitions. Recent studies show that these materials appear to be a better choice for achieving higher critical current density because of a stronger interlayer coupling between superconducting layers. Single crystals of TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11-δ were grown by a self-flux method. This material is a strong-layered superconductor with four-CuO 2 -planes in a unit cell and a superconducting transition temperature of 128K. Our experimental results show that TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11-δ crystals have high irreversibility line, large critical current density and high upper critical field. The impact of layering and the number of Cu-O layers on flux pinning, critical current density and other magnetic properties will also be discussed

Study of critical beta non-circular tokamak equilibria sustained in steady state by beam driven currents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okano, K.; Ogawa, Y.; Naitou, H.

1988-07-01

A new MHD-equilibrium/current-drive analysis code was developed to analyse the high beta tokamak equilibria consistent with the beam driven current profiles. In this new code, the critical beta equilibrium, which is stable against the ballooning mode, the kink mode and the Mercier mode, is determined first using MHD equilibrium and stability analysis codes (EQLAUS/ERATO). Then, the current drive parameters and the plasma parameters, required to sustain this critical beta equilibrium, are determined by iterative calculations. The beam driven current profiles are evaluated by the Fokker-Planck calculations on individual flux surfaces, where the toroidal effects on the beam ion and plasma electron trajectories are considered. The pressure calculation takes into account the beam ion and fast alpha components. A peculiarity of our new method is that the obtained solution is not only consistent with the MHD equilibrium but also consistent with the critical beta limit conditions, in the current profile and the pressure profile. Using this new method, β ∼ 21 % bean and β ∼ 6 % D-type critical beta equilibria were scanned for various parameters; the major radius, magnetic field, temperature, injection energy, etc. It was found that the achievable Q value for the bean type was always about 30 % larger than for the D-type cases, where Q = fusion power/beam power. With strong beanness, Q ∼ 6 for DEMO type tokamaks (∼500 MWth) and Q ∼ 20 for power reactor size (4.5 GWth) are achievable. On the other hand, the Q value would not exceed sixteen for the D-type machines. (author)

Critical condition for current-driven instability excited in turbulent heating of TRIAM-1 tokamak plasma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nakamura, Y; Watanabe, T; Nagao, A; Nakamura, K; Kikuchi, M; Aoki, T; Hiraki, N; Itoh, S [Kyushu Univ., Fukuoka (Japan). Research Inst. for Applied Mechanics; Mitarai, O

1982-02-01

Critical condition for current-driven instability excited in turbulently heated TRIAM-1 tokamak plasma is investigated experimentally. Resistive hump in loop voltage, plasma density fluctuation and rapid increase of electron temperature in a skin layer are simultaneously observed at the time when the electron drift velocity amounts to the critical drift velocity for low-frequency ion acoustic instability.

Critical carbon input to maintain current soil organic carbon stocks in global wheat systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Guocheng; Luo, Zhongkui; Han, Pengfei; Chen, Huansheng; Xu, Jingjing

2016-01-13

Soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in croplands is a crucial component of global carbon (C) cycle. Depending on local environmental conditions and management practices, typical C input is generally required to reduce or reverse C loss in agricultural soils. No studies have quantified the critical C input for maintaining SOC at global scale with high resolution. Such information will provide a baseline map for assessing soil C dynamics under potential changes in management practices and climate, and thus enable development of management strategies to reduce C footprint from farm to regional scales. We used the soil C model RothC to simulate the critical C input rates needed to maintain existing soil C level at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution in global wheat systems. On average, the critical C input was estimated to be 2.0 Mg C ha(-1) yr(-1), with large spatial variability depending on local soil and climatic conditions. Higher C inputs are required in wheat system of central United States and western Europe, mainly due to the higher current soil C stocks present in these regions. The critical C input could be effectively estimated using a summary model driven by current SOC level, mean annual temperature, precipitation, and soil clay content.

Advanced electrical current measurements of microdischarges: evidence of sub-critical pulses and ion currents in barrier discharge in air

Science.gov (United States)

Synek, Petr; Zemánek, Miroslav; Kudrle, Vít; Hoder, Tomáš

2018-04-01

Electrical current measurements in corona or barrier microdischarges are a challenge as they require both high temporal resolution and a large dynamic range of the current probe used. In this article, we apply a simple self-assembled current probe and compare it to commercial ones. An analysis in the time and frequency domain is carried out. Moreover, an improved methodology is presented, enabling both temporal resolution in sub-nanosecond times and current sensitivity in the order of tens of micro-amperes. Combining this methodology with a high-tech oscilloscope and self-developed software, a unique statistical analysis of currents in volume barrier discharge driven in atmospheric-pressure air is made for over 80 consecutive periods of a 15 kHz applied voltage. We reveal the presence of repetitive sub-critical current pulses and conclude that these can be identified with the discharging of surface charge microdomains. Moreover, extremely low, long-lasting microsecond currents were detected which are caused by ion flow, and are analysed in detail. The statistical behaviour presented gives deeper insight into the discharge physics of these usually undetectable current signals.

CRITICAL RADAR: TOOL AND METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING CURRENT PROJECTS USING MULTIPLE VARIABLES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

André M. Ferrari

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Many resources are invested in measurement processes of projects indicators without, however, give a clear view of which projects deserves the right attention at the right time. This paper proposes the use of statistics, through the analysis of multiple variables and their interrelationships, to give better basis to a critical assessment methodology of current projects used in a multinational mining company. The contribution of the research is to report the methodology called Critical Radar which is based on a graphical tool with simple operationalization that can support the decision making in complex environments, and has great flexibility across the different market scenarios and possible changes in companies guidelines. The tool has great potential to help evaluate current projects due to their characteristics of flexible use in different business areas; high degree of freedom for improvement; use of known market tool in its development; ease of viewing the results through charts and notes and user freedom to use any existing indicators in the company if complied with some statistical data quality characteristics.

Influence of the 3D-2D crossover on the critical current of Nb/Cu multilayers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Krasnov, V. M.; Pedersen, Niels Falsig; Oboznov, V. A.

1994-01-01

We report the experimental observation of the Josephson critical current across layers, I(c) perpendicular-to, for Nb/Cu multilayers. Unique samples with a small cross section (20 mum in diameter) consisting of ten Nb/Cu junctions were fabricated for such measurements. A strong influence of the d......We report the experimental observation of the Josephson critical current across layers, I(c) perpendicular-to, for Nb/Cu multilayers. Unique samples with a small cross section (20 mum in diameter) consisting of ten Nb/Cu junctions were fabricated for such measurements. A strong influence...... of the dimensional 3D-2D cross-over on the I(c)perpendicular-to was observed. Thus, as the temperature becomes smaller than T2D, hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristic appears and the behavior of the temperature dependence of the I(c)perpendicular-to changes. For T > T2D the diminishing of the hysteresis...... is caused by a sharp decrease of the junction capacitance in the 3D regime when the sample becomes uniform across layers. Calculation of the critical-current temperature dependence I(c)perpendicular-to (T) for our multilayers was made. An agreement between experimental and theoretical dependencies I...

Microstructural and crystallographic imperfections of MgB2 superconducting wire and their correlation with the critical current density

Science.gov (United States)

Shahabuddin, Mohammed; Alzayed, Nasser S.; Oh, Sangjun; Choi, Seyong; Maeda, Minoru; Hata, Satoshi; Shimada, Yusuke; Hossain, Md Shahriar Al; Kim, Jung Ho

2014-01-01

A comprehensive study of the effects of structural imperfections in MgB2 superconducting wire has been conducted. As the sintering temperature becomes lower, the structural imperfections of the MgB2 material are increased, as reflected by detailed X-ray refinement and the normal state resistivity. The crystalline imperfections, caused by lattice disorder, directly affect the impurity scattering between the π and σ bands of MgB2, resulting in a larger upper critical field. In addition, low sintering temperature keeps the grain size small, which leads to a strong enhancement of pinning, and thereby, enhanced critical current density. Owing to both the impurity scattering and the grain boundary pinning, the critical current density, irreversibility field, and upper critical field are enhanced. Residual voids or porosities obviously remain in the MgB2, however, even at low sintering temperature, and thus block current transport paths.

Enhanced critical currents in (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes with high levels of Zr addition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selvamanickam, V; Chen, Y; Shi, T; Liu, Y; Khatri, ND; Liu, J; Yao, Y; Xiong, X; Lei, C; Soloveichik, S; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G

2013-01-21

The critical current and structural properties of (Gd,Y)BaCuO tapes made by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with Zr addition levels up to 30 at.% have been investigated. The reduction in critical current beyond the previously optimized Zr addition level of 7.5 at.% was found to be due to structural deterioration of the (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox film. By a modified MOCVD process,enhanced critical current densities have been achieved with high levels of Zr addition,including 3.83 MA cm(-2) in 15 at.% Zr- added 1.1 mu m thick film at 77 K in zero magnetic field. Critical currents as high as 1072 A/ 12 mm have been reached in (Gd,Y) BaCuO tapes with 15 at.% Zr addition at 30 K in a field of 3 T applied perpendicular to the tape,corresponding to a pinning force value of 268 GN m(-3). The enhanced critical currents achievable with a high density of nanoscale defects by employing high levels of second- phase additions enable the performance targets needed for the use of HTS tapes in coil applications involving high magnetic fields at temperatures below 50 K to be met.

Enhanced critical currents in (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes with high levels of Zr addition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selvamanickam, V; Shi, T; Liu, Y; Khatri, N D; Liu, J; Yao, Y; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G; Chen, Y; Xiong, X; Lei, C; Soloveichik, S

2013-01-01

The critical current and structural properties of (Gd,Y)BaCuO tapes made by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with Zr addition levels up to 30 at.% have been investigated. The reduction in critical current beyond the previously optimized Zr addition level of 7.5 at.% was found to be due to structural deterioration of the (Gd,Y)Ba 2 Cu 3 O x film. By a modified MOCVD process, enhanced critical current densities have been achieved with high levels of Zr addition, including 3.83 MA cm −2 in 15 at.% Zr-added 1.1 μm thick film at 77 K in zero magnetic field. Critical currents as high as 1072 A/12 mm have been reached in (Gd,Y)BaCuO tapes with 15 at.% Zr addition at 30 K in a field of 3 T applied perpendicular to the tape, corresponding to a pinning force value of 268 GN m −3 . The enhanced critical currents achievable with a high density of nanoscale defects by employing high levels of second-phase additions enable the performance targets needed for the use of HTS tapes in coil applications involving high magnetic fields at temperatures below 50 K to be met. (paper)

Higher spin currents in the critical O(N) vector model at 1/N{sup 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manashov, A.N. [Hamburg Univ. (Germany). 2. Inst. fuer Theoretische Physik; Regensburg Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Theoretische Physik; Skvortsov, E.D. [Munich Univ. (Germany). Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics; Lebedev Institute of Physics, Moscow (Russian Federation); Strohmaier, M. [Regensburg Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Theoretische Physik

2017-06-15

We calculate the anomalous dimensions of higher spin singlet currents in the critical O(N) vector model at order 1/N{sup 2}. The results are shown to be in agreement with the four-loop perturbative computation in φ{sup 4} theory in 4-2ε dimensions. It is known that the order 1/N anomalous dimensions of higher-spin currents happen to be the same in the Gross-Neveu and the critical vector model. On the contrary, the order 1/N{sup 2} corrections are different. The results can also be interpreted as a prediction for the two-loop computation in the dual higher-spin gravity.

Temperature dependence of critical current and transport current losses of 4 mm YBCO coated conductors manufactured using nonmagnetic substrate

Science.gov (United States)

Kvitkovic, J.; Hatwar, R.; Pamidi, S. V.; Fleshler, S.; Thieme, C.

2015-12-01

The temperature dependence of the critical current and AC losses were measured on American Superconductor Corporation's (AMSC) second generation high temperature superconducting (2G HTS) wire produced by Rolling Assisted Biaxially Textured Substrate (RABiTS) and Metal Organic Deposition (MOD) process. Wires manufactured with two types of substrates were characterized. The magnetic substrate with composition Ni5a%W exhibits a magnetic signature and has non-negligible AC losses in AC power applications. A new nonmagnetic substrate with an alloy composition Ni9a%W has been developed by AMSC to address the AC losses in 2G HTS. The data presented show that the performance of the new conductor is identical to the conductor with magnetic substrate in terms of critical current density. The data on AC losses demonstrate the absence of ferromagnetic loss component in the new conductor and significantly reduced AC losses at low to moderate values of I/Ic. The reduced losses will translate into reduced capital costs and lower operating costs of superconducting electrical devices for AC applications.

Effects of small magnetic fields on the critical current of thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Passos, Wagner de Assis Cangussu; Lisboa-Filho, Paulo Noronha; Ortiz, Wilson Aires; Kang, W.N.; Choi, Eun-Mi; Hyeong-Jin, Kim; Lee, Sung-Ik Lee

2002-01-01

Full text: Magnetic fields applied perpendicularly to superconducting thin films may produce dendritic patterns, where penetrated and Meissner regions coexist, as observed in Nb, YBaCuO and MgB 2 [1]. A temperature-dependent limiting-field, Hd(T), separates the dendritic mode from a critical-state-like penetration regime. Due to large demagnetizing factors in the perpendicular geometry, small fields may be enough to drive portions of the sample into the mixed state. Lack of symmetry and local defects might then permeate the dendritic mode. Hd(T) is related[2] to the bulk lower critical field, Hc1, which depends on the in-plane current density, J. Not surprisingly, Hd is depressed by J[3]. The dendritic mode can be detected by the AC-susceptibility: penetrated fingers act as intergranular material, and the imaginary component peaks at Tc-inter(J). Films of 0.2-0.4 microns, with millimeter lateral sizes, develop dendrites when submitted to Earth's field[2], what limits the critical current, J c . This contribution studies how J c is affected by field-induced granularity in thin films. 1. C. A. Duran et al., PRB 52 (1995) 75; P. Leiderer et al., PRL. 71 (1993) 2646; T.H. Johansen et al., Supercond. Sci. Technol. 14 (2001) 1. 2. W. A. Ortiz et al., Physica C 361 (2001) 267. 3. A. V. Bobyl et al., cond-mat/0201260, submitted to APL

Theory of flux cutting and flux transport at the critical current of a type-II superconducting cylindrical wire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Clem, John R.

2011-01-01

I introduce a critical-state theory incorporating both flux cutting and flux transport to calculate the magnetic-field and current-density distributions inside a type-II superconducting cylinder at its critical current in a longitudinal applied magnetic field. The theory is an extension of the elliptic critical-state model introduced by Romero-Salazar and Perez-Rodriguez. The vortex dynamics depend in detail on two nonlinear effective resistivities for flux cutting (ρ(parallel)) and flux flow (ρ(perpendicular)), and their ratio r = ρ(parallel)/ρ(perpendicular). When r c (φ) that makes the vortex arc unstable.

Field-dependent transport critical current in single crystals of Ba(Fe1-xTMx)2As2 (TM = Co, Ni) superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanatar, M A; Ni, N; Bud'ko, S L; Canfield, P C; Prozorov, R

2010-01-01

Critical current density was studied by direct electrical transport measurements in single crystals of Ba(Fe 1-x TM x ) 2 As 2 under magnetic fields up to 9 T. To understand the relation of the critical current to the structural transformations in the material, the electron doping level was controlled by the amount of TM = Co (underdoped x = 0.054 versus optimally doped x = 0.074) and by the nature of the dopant (optimally doped TM = Co versus TM = Ni). It is found that the suppression of the critical current density by the magnetic field is much slower for Ni and underdoped Co compositions than for an optimally doped Co composition. We relate this difference to the proximity to the orthorhombic/antiferromagnetic phase boundary in the T(x) phase diagram. Structural domains formed in this area of the phase diagram create favorable conditions for pinning and not only increase critical current densities, but also hamper the degradation of the critical current under magnetic field.

Hysteresis of critical currents of superconducting bridges in low perpendicular magnetic fields

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aomine, T.; Tanaka, E.; Yamasaki, S.; Tani, K.; Yonekura, A.

1989-01-01

Hysteresis of critical currents I c of superconducting bridges with In, Nb, and NbN has been studied in low perpendicular magnetic fields. Influences of bridge geometry, small field sweep, trapped flux, and bombardment of argon ions on the hysteresis were made clear. The experimental results suggest that the edge pinning and trapped flux in the bank of bridges are associated with the hysteresis. The peak value of I c of NbN bridges, as well as granular Al and In bridges reported before, in decreasing fields agrees with the calculated pair-breaking current. The origin of the hysteresis is discussed

Dependence of critical current density on crystalline direction in thin YBCO films

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Paturi, P.; Peurla, M.; Raittila, J.

2005-01-01

The dependence of critical current density (J(c)) on the angle between the current direction and the (100) direction in the ab-plane of thin YBCO films deposited on (001)-SrTiO3 from natiocrystalline and microcrystalline targets is studied using magneto-optical microscopy. In the films made from...... the nanocrystalline target it is found that J(c) does not depend on the angle whereas J(c) decreases with increasing angle in the films made from the microcrystalline target. The films were characterized by detailed X-ray diffraction measurements. The findings are explained in terms of a network of planar defects...

Recalled peer relationship experiences and current levels of self-criticism and self-reassurance.

Science.gov (United States)

Kopala-Sibley, Daniel C; Zuroff, David C; Leybman, Michelle J; Hope, Nora

2013-03-01

Numerous studies have shown that personality factors may increase or decrease individuals' vulnerability to depression, but little research has examined the role of peer relationships in the development of these factors. Accordingly, this study examined the role of recalled parenting and peer experiences in the development of self-criticism and self-reassurance. It was hypothesized that, controlling for recalled parenting behaviours, specific recalled experiences of peer relationships would be related to current levels of specific forms of self-criticism and self-reassurance. Hypotheses were tested using a retrospective design in which participants were asked to recall experiences of parenting and peer relationships during early adolescence. This age was chosen as early adolescence has been shown to be a critical time for the development of vulnerability to depression. A total of 103 female and 97 male young adults completed measures of recalled parenting, overt and relational victimization and prosocial behaviour by peers, and current levels of self-criticism and self-reassurance. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that parents and peers independently contributed to the development of self-criticism and self-reassurance. Specifically, controlling for parental care and control, overt victimization predicted self-hating self-criticism, relational victimization predicted inadequacy self-criticism, and prosocial behaviour predicted self-reassurance. As well, prosocial behaviour buffered the effect of overt victimization on self-reassurance. Findings highlight the importance of peers in the development of personality risk and resiliency factors for depression, and suggest avenues for interventions to prevent the development of depressive vulnerabilities in youth. The nature of a patient's personality vulnerability to depression may be better understood through a consideration of the patient's relationships with their peers as well as with parents during

Transition from columnar to point pinning in coated conductors: critical currents that are independent of magnetic field direction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zuev, Yuri L; Hun Wee, Sung; Christen, David K

2012-01-01

We identify a sharp crossover in the vortex pinning of a high-temperature superconductor with nanocolumnar stacks of precipitates as strong vortex pinning centers. Above a particular, temperature-dependent field B X (T) the vortex response is no longer determined by the nanocolumns, and is instead determined by point-like pinning. This crossover is evident as a change in the dependence of the critical current density on the angle between the applied magnetic field and the nanocolumns. It also leads to the field-orientation-independent power law index n of the E–J curves. Below the transition, there is a strong maximum in J C when the field is aligned parallel to the columns and n depends on field direction. Above the transition, n is independent of the field direction and there is a J C minimum for H parallel to the columns. We discuss a possible mechanism for such behavior change, as well as testing and confirming a prediction that the crossover must become very broad at high temperatures and low fields. (paper)

Measurement of local critical currents in TFA-MOD processed coated conductors by use of scanning Hall-probe microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shiohara, K.; Higashikawa, K.; Kawaguchi, T.; Inoue, M.; Kiss, T.; Yoshizumi, M.; Izumi, T.

2011-01-01

We have investigated 2-dimensional distribution of critical current density. We have measured TFA-MOD processed YBCO coated conductor. We used scanning Hall-probe microscopy. These provided information is useful for fabrication process of coated conductor. We have carried out 2-dimensional (2D) measurement of local critical current in a Trifluoroacetates-Metal Organic Deposition (TFA-MOD) processed YBCO coated conductor using scanning Hall-probe microscopy. Recently, remarkable R and D accomplishments on the fabrication processes of coated conductors have been conducted extensively and reported. The TFA-MOD process has been expected as an attractive process to produce coated conductors with high performance at a low production cost due to a simple process using non-vacuum equipments. On the other hand, enhancement of critical currents and homogenization of the critical current distribution in the coated conductors are definitely very important for practical applications. According to our measurements, we can detect positions and spatial distribution of defects in the conductor. This kind of information will be very helpful for the improvement of the TFA-MOD process and for the design of the conductor intended for practical electric power device applications.

The influence of vortex pinning and grain boundary structure on critical currents across grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3Ox

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miller, D. J.

1998-01-01

We have used studies of single grain boundaries in YBCO thin films and bulk bicrystals to study the influence of vortex pinning along a grain boundary on dissipation. The critical current density for transport across grain boundaries in thin films is typically more than an order of magnitude larger than that measured for transport across grain boundaries in bulk samples. For low disorientation angles, the difference in critical current density within the grains that form the boundary can contribute to the substantial differences in current density measured across the boundary. However, substantial differences exist in the critical current density across boundaries in thin film compared to bulk bicrystals even in the higher angle regime in which grain boundary dissipation dominates. The differences in critical current density in this regime can be understood on the basis of vortex pinning along the boundary

Anisotropy of the critical current in MgB₂ tapes made of high energy milled precursor powder

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hässler, W.; Kovac, P.; Eisterer, M.

2010-01-01

For applications of MgB2 wires or tapes, high critical currents in high magnetic fields are essential. By using tapes in superconducting coils the anisotropic behaviour of the critical current, i.e. the dependence on the direction of the external field in relation to the tape surface, has to be t...

Large critical current density improvement in Bi-2212 wires through the groove-rolling process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Malagoli, A; Bernini, C; Braccini, V; Romano, G; Putti, M; Chaud, X; Debray, F

2013-01-01

Recently there has been a growing interest in Bi-2212 superconductor round wire for high magnetic field use despite the fact that an increase of the critical current is still needed to boost its successful use in such applications. Recent studies have demonstrated that the main obstacle to current flow, especially in long wires, is the residual porosity inside these powder-in-tube processed conductors that develops from bubble agglomeration when the Bi-2212 melts. In this work we tried to overcome this issue affecting the wire densification by changing the deformation process. Here we show the effects of groove rolling versus the drawing process on the critical current density J C and on the microstructure. In particular, groove-rolled multifilamentary wires show a J C increased by a factor of about 3 with respect to drawn wires prepared with the same Bi-2212 powder and architecture. We think that this approach in the deformation process is able to produce the required improvements both because the superconducting properties are enhanced and because it makes the fabrication process faster and cheaper. (paper)

Experiment to measure the effects of biaxial strain on the critical current of NbTi superconductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Froelich, K.J.

1975-01-01

Twisted multifilament, copper-clad NbTi superconductors have been axially and biaxially strained at 4.2K with a 7.5T background field. A simply-constructed cryogenic loading frame was built and used to strain the conductor. Results on 1.27 mm x 3.13 mm conductor have shown that degradation of less than .3 percent of critical current occurred when the wire was biaxially strained to +3260 μepsilon in the axial direction and -1875 μepsilon in the transverse direction. Degradation approaches 3 percent of critical current at approximately 6000 μepsilon in the axial direction only

Majorana splitting from critical currents in Josephson junctions

Science.gov (United States)

Cayao, Jorge; San-Jose, Pablo; Black-Schaffer, Annica M.; Aguado, Ramón; Prada, Elsa

2017-11-01

A semiconducting nanowire with strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling and coupled to a superconductor can be tuned by an external Zeeman field into a topological phase with Majorana zero modes. Here we theoretically investigate how this exotic topological superconductor phase manifests in Josephson junctions based on such proximitized nanowires. In particular, we focus on critical currents in the short junction limit (LN≪ξ , where LN is the junction length and ξ is the superconducting coherence length) and show that they contain important information about nontrivial topology and Majoranas. This includes signatures of the gap inversion at the topological transition and a unique oscillatory pattern that originates from Majorana interference. Interestingly, this pattern can be modified by tuning the transmission across the junction, thus providing complementary evidence of Majoranas and their energy splittings beyond standard tunnel spectroscopy experiments, while offering further tunability by virtue of the Josephson effect.

Development of Bi-based high critical current density superconducting tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Swaminathan, G.

1995-01-01

In order to achieve the aim of developing suitable superconducting materials the main emphasis has to be made in the following areas viz., synthesizing powders, detailed study of sintering and phase conversion process in relation to the critical current density (J c ) on pellets and optimising of tape processing parameters. The bismuth system has been found to be more favourable for making wires and tapes because of its high transition temperature, good stability, does not require oxygen on cooling and is non-toxic. These have been the most convenient properties which made the BiSCO material the most popular one

Maximum speed of dewetting on a fiber

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Chan, Tak Shing; Gueudre, Thomas; Snoeijer, Jacobus Hendrikus

2011-01-01

A solid object can be coated by a nonwetting liquid since a receding contact line cannot exceed a critical speed. We theoretically investigate this forced wetting transition for axisymmetric menisci on fibers of varying radii. First, we use a matched asymptotic expansion and derive the maximum speed

Transport currents along c-axis and (a,b) planes in YBCO single domain materials. Critical current densities and normal-superconducting transitions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Porcar, L.; Bourgault, D.; Chaud, X.; Noudem, J.G.; Tournier, R.; Tixador, P.

1998-01-01

High transport currents along the (a,b) planes and along the c-axis have been measured in pulsed current of different pseudo-frequencies. Self field losses and transport current of 8000 A (20000 A cm -2 ) have been measured in Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ bars textured by the melting zone technique. Critical currents as high as 500 A (90000 A cm -2 ) along the (a,b) planes or 3000 A (7500 A cm -2 ) along the c-axis have been measured. For both orientations, the transition from the normal state to the superconducting state has been observed. Electric field of 1000 V m -1 and study of the superconducting state recovery are reported. (orig.)

Forces of vortice trapping and critical current in type II superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bormio, C.

1985-12-01

The vortice-centers interactions of trapping in type II superconductor materials were studied by two theories: thermodynamic (Hampshire-Taylor) and microscopic (Larkin - Ovchinnikov). The study was applied to NbTi with composition of 50% weight of Ti. They are commercial cables containing 361 filaments with final diameter of 0.35 mm for the wire and 9.2 μm foi filaments. The material presents high deformation rate in area and high density of dislocations. These defects actuate as centers of trapping. Variations in themomechanical treatments of superconductor cables modify the interaction mechanisms. The specific mechanism for each treatment type was identified. Measurements of critical current density in function of magnetic field in the range from 1 to 7 Tesla were done, which the usual superconductor parameters as upper critical field and Ginzburg - Landau (Kappa-k) parameter are estimated from literature data. (M.C.K.) [pt

Self-field AC losses and critical currents in multi-tube Ag-Bi-2223 conductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ciszek, M; Ashworth, S P; Campbell, A M [IRC in Superconductivity, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE (United Kingdom); James, M P; Glowacki, B A [IRC in Superconductivity, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE (United Kingdom); Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ (United Kingdom); Garre, R; Conti, S [Centro Ricerche Europa Metalli, Fornaci di Barga, LU (Italy)

1996-05-01

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of different technological treatments of silver sheathed Bi-2223 tapes on the critical current density and the AC transport losses. The tapes were produced using the 'tube-in-tube' technique, by including a silver rod in the centre of the superconducting powder during packing of the silver tube. The aim of the process is to increase the silver to superconductor surface area and thus also the alignment at the centre of the conductor ceramic core. AC transport losses were measured by means of an electrical method using sinusoidally varying currents in the frequency range 30-180 Hz. In this range the power losses are hysteretic. The measured variation in losses from those predicted by a critical state model is attributed to the complex geometry of superconducting regions existing in these tapes. (author)

Uniaxial Strain Induced Critical Current Degradation of Ag-Sheathed Bi-2212 Round Wire

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dai, Chao; Qin, Jinggang; Liu, Bo; Liu, Peihang; Wu, Yu; Nijhuis, Arend; Zhou, Chao; Li, Chenshan; Hao, Qingbin; Liu, Sheng

2018-01-01

The critical current degradation of Bi-2212 Ag-sheathed round wire subjected to uniaxial strain was studied at 4.2 K in 14 T background field. The strains applied on the sample are both tension and compression. The additional tensile strain caused by the difference in thermal expansion between the

Microstructural and crystallographic imperfections of MgB{sub 2} superconducting wire and their correlation with the critical current density

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shahabuddin, Mohammed; Alzayed, Nasser S. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, P. O. Box 2455, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451 (Saudi Arabia); Oh, Sangjun [Materials Research Team, National Fusion Research Institute, Yueeong, Daejeon 305-333 (Korea, Republic of); Choi, Seyong [Busan Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Geumjeong, Busan 609-735 (Korea, Republic of); Maeda, Minoru [Department of Physics, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, 1-8 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308 (Japan); Hata, Satoshi; Shimada, Yusuke [Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasugakoen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580 (Japan); Hossain, Md Shahriar Al [Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, New South Wales 2500 (Australia); Kim, Jung Ho, E-mail: jhk@uow.edu.au [Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, P. O. Box 2455, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451 (Saudi Arabia); Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, New South Wales 2500 (Australia)

2014-01-15

A comprehensive study of the effects of structural imperfections in MgB{sub 2} superconducting wire has been conducted. As the sintering temperature becomes lower, the structural imperfections of the MgB{sub 2} material are increased, as reflected by detailed X-ray refinement and the normal state resistivity. The crystalline imperfections, caused by lattice disorder, directly affect the impurity scattering between the π and σ bands of MgB{sub 2}, resulting in a larger upper critical field. In addition, low sintering temperature keeps the grain size small, which leads to a strong enhancement of pinning, and thereby, enhanced critical current density. Owing to both the impurity scattering and the grain boundary pinning, the critical current density, irreversibility field, and upper critical field are enhanced. Residual voids or porosities obviously remain in the MgB{sub 2}, however, even at low sintering temperature, and thus block current transport paths.

The critical current of point symmetric Josephson tunnel junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monaco, Roberto

2016-01-01

Highlights: • We disclose some geometrical properties of the critical current field dependence that apply to a large class of Josephson junctions characterized by a point symmetric shape. • The developed theory is valid for any orientation of the applied magnetic field, therefore it allows the determine the consequences of field misalignment in the experimental setups. • We also address that the threshold curves of Josephson tunnel junctions with complex shapes can be expressed as a linear combination of the threshold curves of junctions with simpler point symmetric shapes. - Abstract: The physics of Josephson tunnel junctions drastically depends on their geometrical configurations. The shape of the junction determines the specific form of the magnetic-field dependence of its Josephson current. Here we address the magnetic diffraction patterns of specially shaped planar Josephson tunnel junctions in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field of arbitrary orientations. We focus on a wide ensemble of junctions whose shape is invariant under point reflection. We analyze the implications of this type of isometry and derive the threshold curves of junctions whose shape is the union or the relative complement of two point symmetric plane figures.

The Impacts of Maximum Temperature and Climate Change to Current and Future Pollen Distribution in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vladimir Kendrovski

2012-02-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND. The goal of the present paper was to assess the impact of current and future burden of the ambient temperature to pollen distributions in Skopje. METHODS. In the study we have evaluated a correlation between the concentration of pollen grains in the atmosphere of Skopje and maximum temperature, during the vegetation period of 1996, 2003, 2007 and 2009 as a current burden in context of climate change. For our analysis we have selected 9 representative of each phytoallergen group (trees, grasses, weeds. The concentration of pollen grains has been monitored by a Lanzoni volumetric pollen trap. The correlation between the concentration of pollen grains in the atmosphere and selected meteorological variable from weekly monitoring has been studied with the help of linear regression and correlation coefficients. RESULTS. The prevalence of the sensibilization of standard pollen allergens in Skopje during the some period shows increasing from 16,9% in 1996 to 19,8% in 2009. We detect differences in onset of flowering, maximum and end of the length of seasons for pollen. The pollen distributions and risk increases in 3 main periods: early spring, spring and summer which are the main cause of allergies during these seasons. The largest increase of air temperature due to climate change in Skopje is expected in the summer season. CONCLUSION. The impacts of climate change by increasing of the temperature in the next decades very likely will include impacts on pollen production and differences in current pollen season. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2012; 11(1.000: 35-40

Critical Current Properties of HTS Twisted Stacked-Tape Cable in Subcooled- and Pressurized-Liquid Nitrogen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tomita, M; Suzuki, K; Fukumoto, Y; Ishihara, A; Akasaka, T; Kobayashi, Y; Maeda, A; Takayasu, M

2015-01-01

A 2 m length Twisted Stacked-Tape Cable (TSTC) conductor which was fabricated by 32-YBCO-tapes (4 mm width) with a 200 mm twist pitch was investigated at various temperatures near 77 K in subcooled- and pressurized-liquid nitrogen. The critical current of the TSTC cable which was 1.45 kA at 77 K measured from 64 K to 85 K by controlling the equilibrium vapor pressure of nitrogen bath and were varied from 3.65 kA at 64 K to 0.42 kA at 85 K. The temperature dependence of cables’ critical current agrees with that of the 4 mm width YBCO tape. These results are encouraging for applications of a compact Twisted Stacked-Tape Cable application in railway systems. (paper)

Critical current and flux dynamics in Ag-doped FeSe superconductor

Science.gov (United States)

Galluzzi, A.; Polichetti, M.; Buchkov, K.; Nazarova, E.; Mancusi, D.; Pace, S.

2017-02-01

The measurements of DC magnetization as a function of the temperature M(T), magnetic field M(H), and time M(t) have been performed in order to compare the superconducting and pinning properties of an undoped FeSe0.94 sample and a silver doped FeSe0.94 + 6 wt% Ag sample. The M(T) curves indicate an improvement of the superconducting critical temperature and a reduction of the non-superconducting phase Fe7Se8 due to the silver doping. This is confirmed by the field and temperature dependent critical current density Jc(H,T) extracted from the superconducting hysteresis loops at different temperatures within the Bean critical state model. Moreover, the combined analysis of the Jc(T) and of the pinning force Fp(H/Hirr) indicate that the pinning mechanisms in both samples can be described in the framework of the collective pinning theory. The U*(T, J) curves show a pinning crossover from an elastic creep regime of intermediate size flux bundles, for low temperatures, to a plastic creep regime at higher temperatures for both the samples. Finally, the vortex hopping attempt time has been evaluated for both samples and the results are comparable with the values reported in the literature for high Tc materials.

Valley current characterization of high current density resonant tunnelling diodes for terahertz-wave applications

Science.gov (United States)

Jacobs, K. J. P.; Stevens, B. J.; Baba, R.; Wada, O.; Mukai, T.; Hogg, R. A.

2017-10-01

We report valley current characterisation of high current density InGaAs/AlAs/InP resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) grown by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) for THz emission, with a view to investigate the origin of the valley current and optimize device performance. By applying a dual-pass fabrication technique, we are able to measure the RTD I-V characteristic for different perimeter/area ratios, which uniquely allows us to investigate the contribution of leakage current to the valley current and its effect on the PVCR from a single device. Temperature dependent (20 - 300 K) characteristics for a device are critically analysed and the effect of temperature on the maximum extractable power (PMAX) and the negative differential conductance (NDC) of the device is investigated. By performing theoretical modelling, we are able to explore the effect of typical variations in structural composition during the growth process on the tunnelling properties of the device, and hence the device performance.

The upper critical field of CeCoIn5

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howald, Ludovic; Knebel, Georg; Aoki, Dai; Lapertot, Gérard; Brison, Jean-Pascal

2011-01-01

We present a detailed analysis of the upper critical field for CeCoIn 5 under high pressure. We show that, consistent with other measurements, this system shows a decoupling between the maximum of the superconducting transition temperature T c and the maximum pairing strength. We propose a model in which, in order to account for the discrepancy in pressure between the maximum of the upper critical field and the maximum of T c , we introduce magnetic pair-breaking effects, already widely suggested by other measurements. We found that within the Eliashberg frame work, the unusual shape of H c2 (T) can be completely reproduced when magnetic pair breaking is taken into account. Surprisingly, we found that the maximum of pair breaking and of pair coupling coincide in pressure, suggesting that both mechanisms originate from quantum criticality. Our model implies that CeCoIn 5 is the first compound of its family that shows clear decoupling between the maximum of T c and quantum criticality. (paper)

Relation of n-value to critical current for local sections and overall sample in a SmBCO coated conductor pulled in tension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, Shojiro; Okuda, Hiroshi; Nagano, Shinji; Sugano, Michinaka; Oh, Sang-Song; Ha, Hong-Soo; Osamura, Kozo

2014-01-01

Under application of tensile stress to a SmBCO (SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ ) coated conductor sample consisting of series electric circuit of local sections, the relation of voltage-current curve, critical current and n-value of the sections to those of overall sample was studied. The change in critical current and n-value with increasing applied stress was different from section to section due to the difference in damage behavior of the SmBCO layer among the sections. When the difference in extent of damage among the sections was small, the voltages developed in all sections contributed to the voltage of overall sample. In this case, the critical current and n-value of overall sample were within the range of the highest and lowest values among the sections. On the other hand, when the damage in one section was far severer than that of other sections, the voltage developed in the most severely damaged section largely contributed to the overall voltage, and hence the voltage-current curves of the most severely damaged section were almost the same as those of overall sample. In this case, critical current of the overall sample was slightly higher and n-value of the overall sample was lower than the critical current and n-value of the most severely damaged section. Accordingly, the decrease in n-value with decreasing critical current in overall sample was sharper than that in sections. This phenomenon was accounted for by the increase in shunting current at cracked part at higher voltage in the most severely damaged section. (author)

Critical currents and energy dissipation in Y1Ba2Cu3O7-δ films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Windte, C.V.

1993-09-01

The critical current density j c of patterned YBaCuO thin film samples and the electric field E seen by the superconductor were calculated from data of magnetization loops, external magnetic field sweeps and relaxation, respectively. Data were taken at 77 K up to external magnetic fields of 150 mT with a sensitive Hall probe detecting the magnetic fields of the screening currents of the sample. The E(j) characteristic could be determined over six decades of magnitude of E (10 -7 μV/cm -1 μV/cm). These characteristics permit the comparison with theoretical pictures: They are incompatible with Kim-Andersons flux-creep and a power law behaviour. The characteristics are compatible with the vortex-glass or the collective pinning ansatz. There exists a limiting critical current beyond no known theoretical picture describes the E(j) characteristic. (orig.) [de

Critical current, pinning and resistive state of superconducting single-crystal niobium with different types of defect structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sokolenko, V.I.; Starodubov, Ya.D.

2005-01-01

Critical current pinning and resistive state of single crystal niobium of texture orientation are studied for different structural states obtained by rolling at 20 K by 42% and polishing the surface layers. It is found that the heterogeneous structures typical of the strained sample even after its thinning down to approx 10% display a lower current-carrying capability due to an increase of the thermomagnetic instability within the fragmented structure sections in the near-surface layers. For a homogeneous defect structure of the sample core with the density of equilibrium distributed dislocations of 1.3 centre dot 10 11 cm -2 , a correlation between the normal current density and the critical current density in the resistive state is found, in agreement with the concepts of flux creep due to the scatter of local values of J c

Maximum Entropy in Drug Discovery

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chih-Yuan Tseng

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Drug discovery applies multidisciplinary approaches either experimentally, computationally or both ways to identify lead compounds to treat various diseases. While conventional approaches have yielded many US Food and Drug Administration (FDA-approved drugs, researchers continue investigating and designing better approaches to increase the success rate in the discovery process. In this article, we provide an overview of the current strategies and point out where and how the method of maximum entropy has been introduced in this area. The maximum entropy principle has its root in thermodynamics, yet since Jaynes’ pioneering work in the 1950s, the maximum entropy principle has not only been used as a physics law, but also as a reasoning tool that allows us to process information in hand with the least bias. Its applicability in various disciplines has been abundantly demonstrated. We give several examples of applications of maximum entropy in different stages of drug discovery. Finally, we discuss a promising new direction in drug discovery that is likely to hinge on the ways of utilizing maximum entropy.

Improvements in the critical current densities of Nb3Sn by solid solution additions of Sn in Nb

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luhman, T.; Suenaga, M.

1975-01-01

The effectiveness of solid solution additions of Sn to Nb in improving the superconducting properties of diffusion processed Nb 3 Sn conductors was examined. It was found that an increase in the superconducting critical current density, Jc, as function of layer thickness (d) may be obtained for thick Nb 3 Sn layers by solid solution additions of Sn in Nb. A large increase in J/sub c/ (d) is also achieved by increasing the Sn content in the bronze matrix material. In addition to uses of this material in magnet fabrications a potential application of these improved J/sub c/(d) values may lie in the use of Nb 3 Sn in power transmission lines. Here, a high superconducting critical current density is necessary throughout the material to carry the increased current during fault conditions. The magnetic field dependence of J/sub c/ is a function of alloy content but the alloying changes studied here do not increase the high field critical current capability of Nb 3 Sn. (auth)

Enhancement of critical current density of in situ processed MgB sub 2 tapes by WB addition

CERN Document Server

Fujii, H; Kumakura, H

2003-01-01

The effect of tungsten boride (WB) addition on the microstructure and superconducting properties of Fe-sheathed MgB sub 2 tapes has been investigated. The microstructure was not influenced appreciably by the addition, whereas the superconducting properties changed. Even by a 5 mol% addition, the critical temperature (T sub c) decreased by about 0.5 K. However, the field dependence of the inductive critical current density (J sub c sub i) became smaller with the increase in the amount of addition, suggesting that pinning centres effective in a high-field region were possibly introduced. The transport critical current density (J sub c sub t) at 4.2 K increased about twice by the 5 mol% addition and reached 15 and 5 kA cm sup - sup 2 at 8 and 10 T, respectively.

Dislocation structure, aging processes and critical currents of vanadium-gallium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan, V.M.; Beletskii, Yu.I.; Flis, V.S.; Firstov, S.A.; Sarzhan, G.F.

1976-04-01

An electron microscopical investigation of the structural and phase changes in vanadium-gallium alloys was carried out in the range of concentrations corresponding to a supersaturated mixed crystal with bcc lattice during plastic deformation and annealing. The determined data were compared with the measured results of the electrophysical and superconducting properties. It was shown that the deformed and aged vanadium-gallium samples at 4.2 K could conduct a dissipation-free transport current with a density of 8 x 10 3 A/cm 2 in the transversal magnetic field of 60 kOe. Based on the experimental results of the dislocation structure, the mechanism and kinetics of the separation process, conclusions were drawn as to the character of the exceeding of the critical current density in the presence of a magnetic field in these compounds. (orig.) [de

Critical current densities amd pinning mechanisms of high-Tc films on single crystalline and technologically relevant substrates. Final report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adrian, H.

1995-12-01

The report deals with six project tasks: (1) Effects of impurity additions at atomic level on the pinning behaviour and the critical current densities, examined in epitactic YBA 2 (Cu 1-x Ni x ) 3 O 7 films. It could be proven that the Ni atoms increase the activation energy for flux movement and the critical current density in a concentration range of 0 2 Sr 2 Ca n-1 Cu n O 2n+4+δ films (n = 2 and 3) with good crystalline properties, high critical currents, and high current densities were prepared. Thin YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 films of high quality could be grown on saphire substrates, both by the MO-CVD process and by MBE. The aim of depositing biaxially textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 films with high critical current densities on polycrystalline, metallic substrates was achieved by the IBAD process combined with MBE. The buffer layer was YSZ. Heterostructures of the layer sequence YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 /CeO 2 /Y 0.3 Pr 0.7 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 /YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 and YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 /CeO 2 /Au were prepared by laser ablation and sputtering processes, in order to examine Josephson ramp contacts and superconducting field-effect transistors. (orig./MM) [de

Modelling maximum canopy conductance and transpiration in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

There is much current interest in predicting the maximum amount of water that can be transpired by Eucalyptus trees. It is possible that industrial waste water may be applied as irrigation water to eucalypts and it is important to predict the maximum transpiration rates of these plantations in an attempt to dispose of this ...

Maximum parsimony, substitution model, and probability phylogenetic trees.

Science.gov (United States)

Weng, J F; Thomas, D A; Mareels, I

2011-01-01

The problem of inferring phylogenies (phylogenetic trees) is one of the main problems in computational biology. There are three main methods for inferring phylogenies-Maximum Parsimony (MP), Distance Matrix (DM) and Maximum Likelihood (ML), of which the MP method is the most well-studied and popular method. In the MP method the optimization criterion is the number of substitutions of the nucleotides computed by the differences in the investigated nucleotide sequences. However, the MP method is often criticized as it only counts the substitutions observable at the current time and all the unobservable substitutions that really occur in the evolutionary history are omitted. In order to take into account the unobservable substitutions, some substitution models have been established and they are now widely used in the DM and ML methods but these substitution models cannot be used within the classical MP method. Recently the authors proposed a probability representation model for phylogenetic trees and the reconstructed trees in this model are called probability phylogenetic trees. One of the advantages of the probability representation model is that it can include a substitution model to infer phylogenetic trees based on the MP principle. In this paper we explain how to use a substitution model in the reconstruction of probability phylogenetic trees and show the advantage of this approach with examples.

An exponential scaling law for the strain dependence of the Nb3Sn critical current density

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bordini, B; Alknes, P; Bottura, L; Rossi, L; Valentinis, D

2013-01-01

The critical current density of the Nb 3 Sn superconductor is strongly dependent on the strain applied to the material. In order to investigate this dependence, it is a common practice to measure the critical current of Nb 3 Sn strands for different values of applied axial strain. In the literature, several models have been proposed to describe these experimental data in the reversible strain region. All these models are capable of fitting the measurement results in the strain region where data are collected, but tend to predict unphysical trends outside the range of data, and especially for large strain values. In this paper we present a model of a new strain function, together with the results obtained by applying the new scaling law on relevant datasets. The data analyzed consisted of the critical current measurements at 4.2 K that were carried out under applied axial strain at Durham University and the University of Geneva on different strand types. With respect to the previous models proposed, the new scaling function does not present problems at large strain values, has a lower number of fitting parameters (only two instead of three or four), and is very stable, so that, starting from few experimental points, it can estimate quite accurately the strand behavior in a strain region where there are no data. A relationship is shown between the proposed strain function and the elastic strain energy, and an analogy is drawn with the exponential form of the McMillan equation for the critical temperature. (paper)

Critical current density of MgB2 thin films and the effect of interface pinning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, Eun-Mi; Gupta, S K; Sen, Shashwati; Lee, Hyun-Sook; Kim, Hyun-Jung; Lee, Sung-Ik

2004-01-01

Preferentially oriented MgB 2 thin films with c-axis normal to the surface have been prepared and characterized for microstructure and transport properties. The magnetic field dependence of superconducting critical current density J c has been determined from the magnetization hysteresis (M-H) loops at various temperatures using the Bean's critical state model. High J c of these films show their potential for applications. We have also measured the angular dependences of J c . The angular dependence is seen to be in agreement with the anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau model except that at angles close to the ab plane, increased pinning due to film-substrate interaction is observed. The angular range where interface pinning is effective has been determined by measurement of asymmetry in dissipation on reversal of current for fields applied at angles close to the ab plane

Analysis of the ac SQUID with low inductance and low critical current

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sørensen, O. H.

1976-01-01

The properties of the ac SQUID magnetometer has been analyzed. The results are valid in the low-inductance low-critical-current regime, where the Lri0 producted is belowthe value at which the relation between the enclosed and externally applied magnetic dc flux becomes reentrant. The effects...... of the screening current circulating in the SQUID ring as well as of the SQUID-ring time constant, tau-Lr/R9 are taken into account. Here LR IS THE SQUID-ring inductance, and R is the shunt resistance in the shunted junction model assumed to describe the weak link. It is shown that for finite values of omegatau...... constriuctively with the result that the optimal response occurs at a definite and finite value of omegatau. If omegatau is increased beyond this optimal value the weak link behavior is dominated by the Ohmic current channel implying that only if the shunt conductance contains a term depending...

[Team approaches to critical bleeding (massive bleeding and transfusion) - chairmen's introductory remarks. Questionnaire survey on current status of hospital clinical laboratories evaluating critical hemorrhage].

Science.gov (United States)

Kino, Shuichi; Suwabe, Akira

2014-12-01

In 2007, "the Guidelines for Actions against Intraoperative Critical Hemorrhage" were established by the Japanese Society of Anaesthesiologists and the Japanese Society of Blood transfusion and Cell Therapy. The documentation of in-hospital procedures for critical hemorrhage, especially about how to select RBC units, has widely standardized hospital practice. Patients with intraoperative critical hemorrhage sometimes suffer from massive blood loss. In this situation, some patients develop coagulopathy. To treat them, we need to evaluate their coagulation status based on laboratory test results. So, we performed a nationwide questionnaire survey on the current status of hospital clinical laboratories evaluating critical hemorrhage. From the results of this survey, it was recommended that central hospital laboratories should try to reduce the turn-around time required to test for coagulation parameters as much as possible for appropriate substitution therapy. (Review).

Influence of effective electron interaction on critical current of Josephson weak links

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kupriyanov, M.Yu.; Likharev, K.K.; Lukichev, V.F.

1981-01-01

On the basis of microscopic theory of superconductivity, the dc Josphson effect in weak links of the type of variable thickness bridges or high ohmic interlayer sandwiches is studied. The Isub(C)Rsub(N) product is calculatied as a function of temperature T and weak link length L for various amplitudes and both signs of effective electron-electron interaction constant lambda. If the weak link material is superconducting with critical temperature Tsub(C) > 0 (lambda > 0), the maximum value of Isub(C)Rsub(N) product (under condition of the singlevalued Isub(S)(phi) relationship) can be achieved at L approx. <= 3xisup(*) when Tsub(C) approx. <= Tsub(CS)/2, and at L=(4 / 6)xisup(*) when Tsub(C) = Tsub(CS). Electron repulsion inside the weak link (lambda < 0) results in some reduction of the Isub(C)Rsub(N) product in comparison with the case of 'really normal' weak link material (lambda = 0). (orig.)

Effects of oxygen content on the pinning energy and critical current in the granular (Hg, Re)-1223 superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Passos, C.A.C.; Orlando, M.T.D.; Fernandes, A.A.R.; Oliveira, F.D.C.; Simonetti, D.S.L.; Fardin, J.F.; Belich, H.; Ferreira, M.M.

2005-01-01

Hg 0.82 Re 0.18 Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 8+d polycrystalline samples, with different oxygen content, were investigated by ac resistance measurements under different applied magnetic field (up to 3 A/m) and critical current measurements. The intergrain and intragrain regions have shown an improvement in the pinning energy and critical current density, as considering the precursor preparation with 10% of O 2 and 90% of Ar (optimal doped). In addition, the samples presented S-I-S junctions type as considering Ambegaokar-Baratoff theory

Critical current degradation of short YBa2Cu3O7-δ coated conductor due to an unprotected quench

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, X; Trociewitz, U P; Schwartz, J

2011-01-01

The critical current of a short YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO) coated conductor sample degrades in an unprotected quench performed in a nearly adiabatic environment at 30 K. The conductor has Cu stabilizers on both surfaces. The quench is initiated by a heater attached to the sample surface. The amplitude of the transport current is fixed as 91% of the sample's initial critical current. The duration of the current is increased to simulate an unprotected quench and to reach increasing and controlled voltage and temperature levels. A peak temperature of 490 ± 50 K and a heating rate of 1800 K s -1 are measured when the critical current degrades by ∼ 5%. The applied thermal strain on the YBCO layer from 30 to 490 K is estimated to be 0.31% and is applied at a strain rate of ∼ 1% s -1 . The rate of temperature change and the time to reach a certain peak temperature, determined by the current density in the Cu stabilizer, are estimated assuming adiabatic conditions based on the short sample case. For a Cu stabilizer current density ranging from 1000 to 2000 A mm -2 , achieved in commercial conductors currently available, the quench detection and protection requires a response time -2 may challenge the existing detection and protection techniques for the same 200 K limit. Integrating the substrate as part of the stabilizer may help reduce the stabilizer current density to gain more time for quench detection and protection while maintaining the engineering current density.

Improved critical current of YBaCuO thick-films and ceramics by the addition of Ag

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dwir, B.; Kellett, B.; Mieville, L.; Pavuna, D.

1991-01-01

In a series of papers we have discussed the importance of Ag for contacts and analyzed the resistivity, magnetization, critical current density and percolation properties of YBCO-Ag ceramics. This work has been followed by investigation of electrical and structural properties of thick-films containing Ag in their composition. Here we summarize the most important of our results: In YBCO-Ag ceramic compounds, silver fills the intergranular space (voids), improving the YBaCuO compactness and enhancing the critical current density. These properties are mostly enhanced at 10-20% wt% Ag. The reduction in normal-state resistivity can be described well by 3D percolation theory with a critical concentration of ≅20%. In thick films, prepared by spinning YBaCuO powders on a substrate, adding silver (in the form of Ag 2 O) to the powder mixture improves both T c and J c (by up to 50%), as well as resistivity and resistivity slope. The structural properties, like amount of secondary phases and micro-crack density, are also improved by the addition of Ag. (orig.)

Limits to the critical transport current in superconducting (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 silver-sheathed tapes: The railway-switch model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hensel, B.; Grasso, G.; Fluekiger, R.

1995-01-01

We have proposed the ''railway-switch'' model to describe the superconducting transport current in (Bi,Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 silver-sheathed tapes. The model assumes that in the textured polycrystalline filament the frequent small-angle c-axis tilt grain boundaries (''railway switches'') constitute strong links for the supercurrent. With the objective to identify the mechanisms that limit the critical-current density in the tapes we present measurements of the transport critical current normal to the tape plane and of the current-transfer length along the tape axis. From I-V curves we obtain the longitudinal critical-current distribution and compare it to the thickness variation of the filament. The experiments have been performed on monofilamentary powder-in-tube samples prepared in long lengths by rolling as the only tape-forming process. For all investigated samples the critical-current density at T=77 K in self-field was in the range j c =20--30 kA/cm 2 . We conclude that the dominant limitation for the transport critical current in the tapes is imposed by the low intragrain critical-current density j c c along the c axis (as compared to the in-plane critical-current density j c ab ) and by the even lower critical-current density j c t across twist boundaries or intergrowths. Possibilities for an improvement of the performance of the (Bi,Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 silver-sheathed tapes are discussed

Current clinical nutrition practices in critically ill patients in Latin America: a multinational observational study.

Science.gov (United States)

Vallejo, Karin Papapietro; Martínez, Carolina Méndez; Matos Adames, Alfredo A; Fuchs-Tarlovsky, Vanessa; Nogales, Guillermo Carlos Contreras; Paz, Roger Enrique Riofrio; Perman, Mario Ignacio; Correia, Maria Isabel Toulson Davisson; Waitzberg, Dan Linetzky

2017-08-25

Malnutrition in critically ill adults in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with a significantly elevated risk of mortality. Adequate nutrition therapy is crucial to optimise outcomes. Currently, there is a paucity of such data in Latin America. Our aims were to characterise current clinical nutrition practices in the ICU setting in Latin America and evaluate whether current practices meet caloric and protein requirements in critically ill patients receiving nutrition therapy. We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru). Eligible patients were critically ill adults hospitalised in the ICU and receiving enteral nutrition (EN) and/or parenteral nutrition (PN) on the Screening Day and the previous day (day -1). Caloric and protein balance on day -1, nutritional status, and prescribed nutrition therapy were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of reaching daily caloric and protein targets. The analysis included 1053 patients from 116 hospitals. Evaluation of nutritional status showed that 74.1% of patients had suspected/moderate or severe malnutrition according to the Subjective Global Assessment. Prescribed nutrition therapy included EN alone (79.9%), PN alone (9.4%), and EN + PN (10.7%). Caloric intake met >90% of the daily target in 59.7% of patients on day -1; a caloric deficit was present in 40.3%, with a mean (±SD) daily caloric deficit of -688.8 ± 455.2 kcal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that combined administration of EN + PN was associated with a statistically significant increase in the probability of meeting >90% of daily caloric and protein targets compared with EN alone (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.39; p = 0.038). In the ICU setting in Latin America, malnutrition was highly prevalent and caloric

Dependences of microstructure and critical current density on the thickness of YBa2Cu3O7-x film prepared by pulsed laser deposition on buffered Ni–W tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, Da; Wang, Ying; Liu, Linfei; Li, Yijie

2013-01-01

YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x (YBCO) films with different thicknesses were fabricated on buffered Ni–W tapes by pulsed laser deposition. The thickness dependences of microstructure and critical current density (J c ) of YBCO film were systematically investigated. The microstructure and surface morphology of YBCO film were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. And the critical current (I c ) of YBCO film was measured by the conventional four-probe method. We found that the full width at half maximum values of both omega and phi scan rocking curves, the content of a-axis oriented grain, and surface roughness of YBCO film all increased with augmenting the thickness of YBCO film. It was also found that with increasing the thickness of YBCO film from 0.3 μm to 1.5 μm, the I c of YBCO film increased from 72 A/cm to 248 A/cm and yet J c of YBCO film decreased from 2.1 × 10 6 A/cm 2 to 1.6 × 10 6 A/cm 2 . Our results indicated that the microstructure and J c of YBCO film were largely dependent on the thickness of YBCO film under the optimized deposition condition of substrate temperature. - Highlights: ► YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x (YBCO) films with different thicknesses were grown on metallic tapes. ► The texture and critical current were dependent on the thickness of YBCO film. ► Thickness effect was weakened by fabricating YBCO film layer by layer

Critical current oscillations in superconductor-ferromagnet-superconductor structure taking into account s-d scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vedyaev, A.V.; Ryzhanova, N.V.; Pugach, N.G.

2007-01-01

One calculated the critical current in the Josephson contact with the transition metal slightly ferromagnetic alloy interlayer. One solved the Gorkov equations taking into account s-d-scattering in a ferromagnet. The account of the mentioned scattering breaking down the Cooper pairs is shown to enable to ensure the conformity with the experiment [ru

Development of high temperature superconductors having high critical current density

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hong, Gye Wong; Kim, C. J.; Lee, H.G.; Kwon, S. C.; Lee, H. J.; Kim, K. B.; Park, J. Y.; Jung, C. H.

2000-08-01

Fabrication of high T c superconductors and its applications for electric power device were carried out for developing superconductor application technologies. High quality YBCO superconductors was fabricated by melt texture growth, top-seeded melt growth process and multi-seeded melt growth process and the properties was compared. The critical current density of the melt processed YBCO superconductors was about few 10,000 A/cm 2 and the levitation force was 50 N. The processing time needed for the growth of the 123 single grain was greatly reduced by applying multi-seeding without no significant degradation of the levitation force. The multi-seeded melt growth process was confirmed as a time-saving and cost-effective method for the fabrication of bulk superconductors with controlled crystallographic orientation

Development of high temperature superconductors having high critical current density

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hong, Gye Wong; Kim, C. J.; Lee, H.G.; Kwon, S. C.; Lee, H. J.; Kim, K. B.; Park, J. Y.; Jung, C. H

2000-08-01

Fabrication of high T{sub c} superconductors and its applications for electric power device were carried out for developing superconductor application technologies. High quality YBCO superconductors was fabricated by melt texture growth, top-seeded melt growth process and multi-seeded melt growth process and the properties was compared. The critical current density of the melt processed YBCO superconductors was about few 10,000 A/cm{sup 2} and the levitation force was 50 N. The processing time needed for the growth of the 123 single grain was greatly reduced by applying multi-seeding without no significant degradation of the levitation force. The multi-seeded melt growth process was confirmed as a time-saving and cost-effective method for the fabrication of bulk superconductors with controlled crystallographic orientation.

Effect of copper additions in tin molten pool on stability temperature and critical current of Nb3Sn

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kruzliak, J.; Hutka, P.; Tomasich, M.

1979-01-01

Tested is the effect of 55 at% copper addition into the tin bath on the stability temperature and crytical current of Nb 3 Sn, prepared by the diffusion method. It is shown that copper presence in the tin bath transfers the stability temperature of NbSn 2 and Nb 6 Sn 5 phases below the annealing temperature of 700 deg C. It results in Nb 3 Sn appearance at the annealing temperatures above 600 deg C. The critical current increase is explained as follows: lower Nb 3 Sn appearance temperatures provide fine-grained structure of superconducting Nb 3 Sn layer with greater density of binning centers and with higher critical current in accordance with NbSn prepared by the diffusion of pure tin into niobium

Experiment of enhancing critical current and reducing ac loss in pancake coil comprised of Ni-coated Bi-2223/Ag tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alamgir, A.K.M.; Gu, C.; Han, Z.

2006-01-01

An approach of realizing high performance HTS coil comprised of ferromagnetic material-coated BSCCO tape is proposed. The concept of influencing critical current and ac loss is based on the magnetic shielding effect resulting in redirection of self-field flux-lines. In the previous article, ac performance of Ni-coated tape was demonstrated where the Ni-coating was introduced at the edge-regime of the finished tape in order to redirect the perpendicular component of self-field lines. In order to investigate the shielding effect on ac performance in HTS coil, a two-turn pancake coil comprised of Ni-coated Bi-2223/Ag tape is demonstrated in the present article. About 6.4% of critical current was enhanced and 30% of transport current ac loss was reduced by means of 40 μm thick and 0.3 mm long (from the edge toward center of the tape) Ni-coating. This result suggests that additional ferromagnetic loss could be compensated well by the shielding effect of the partial Ni-coating. The degree of enhancement in critical current as well as ferromagnetic impact on ac losses depend on the volume and geometry of ferromagnetic coating introduced. Therefore, it is very important to control the parameter of ferromagnetic coating of the tape in order to balance the critical current and ac loss for optimum coil performance

Experiment of enhancing critical current and reducing ac loss in pancake coil comprised of Ni-coated Bi-2223/Ag tape

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alamgir, A.K.M. [Department of Physics, Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)]. E-mail: alam643@hotmail.com; Gu, C. [Department of Physics, Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Han, Z. [Department of Physics, Applied Superconductivity Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)

2006-07-01

An approach of realizing high performance HTS coil comprised of ferromagnetic material-coated BSCCO tape is proposed. The concept of influencing critical current and ac loss is based on the magnetic shielding effect resulting in redirection of self-field flux-lines. In the previous article, ac performance of Ni-coated tape was demonstrated where the Ni-coating was introduced at the edge-regime of the finished tape in order to redirect the perpendicular component of self-field lines. In order to investigate the shielding effect on ac performance in HTS coil, a two-turn pancake coil comprised of Ni-coated Bi-2223/Ag tape is demonstrated in the present article. About 6.4% of critical current was enhanced and 30% of transport current ac loss was reduced by means of 40 {mu}m thick and 0.3 mm long (from the edge toward center of the tape) Ni-coating. This result suggests that additional ferromagnetic loss could be compensated well by the shielding effect of the partial Ni-coating. The degree of enhancement in critical current as well as ferromagnetic impact on ac losses depend on the volume and geometry of ferromagnetic coating introduced. Therefore, it is very important to control the parameter of ferromagnetic coating of the tape in order to balance the critical current and ac loss for optimum coil performance.

The power and robustness of maximum LOD score statistics.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoo, Y J; Mendell, N R

2008-07-01

The maximum LOD score statistic is extremely powerful for gene mapping when calculated using the correct genetic parameter value. When the mode of genetic transmission is unknown, the maximum of the LOD scores obtained using several genetic parameter values is reported. This latter statistic requires higher critical value than the maximum LOD score statistic calculated from a single genetic parameter value. In this paper, we compare the power of maximum LOD scores based on three fixed sets of genetic parameter values with the power of the LOD score obtained after maximizing over the entire range of genetic parameter values. We simulate family data under nine generating models. For generating models with non-zero phenocopy rates, LOD scores maximized over the entire range of genetic parameters yielded greater power than maximum LOD scores for fixed sets of parameter values with zero phenocopy rates. No maximum LOD score was consistently more powerful than the others for generating models with a zero phenocopy rate. The power loss of the LOD score maximized over the entire range of genetic parameters, relative to the maximum LOD score calculated using the correct genetic parameter value, appeared to be robust to the generating models.

Superconductivity, intergrain, and intragrain critical current densities of materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thompson, J.R.; Brynestad, J.; Kroeger, D.M.; Kim, Y.C.; Sekula, S.T.; Christen, D.K.; Specht, E.D.

1989-01-01

Bulk sintered and powdered samples of the high-temperature superconductive compounds Tl 2 Ca 2 Ba 2 Cu 3 O/sub 1+//sub δ/ (Tl-2:2:2:3) and Tl 2 Ca 2 Ba 2 Cu 2 O/sub 8+//sub δ/ (Tl-2:1:2:2) have been synthesized with phase purity of approximately 90%. The materials were characterized by x-ray-diffraction, metallographic, and electron microprobe analyses. The electronic and superconductive properties were investigated through measurement of the electrical resistivity and the critical current density J/sub c/ using transport methods and by extensive magnetization measurements. Primary results and conclusions are that (1) the intragrain J/sub c/ values were large, much larger than the transport values; (2) both sintered and powdered materials exhibited large flux creep; (3) and the J/sub c/ decreased exponentially with temperature. These features are qualitatively very similar to those found in the corresponding YBa 2 Cu 3 O/sub z/ (with z≅7) series of compounds

Optimisation of sea surface current retrieval using a maximum cross correlation technique on modelled sea surface temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Heuzé, Céline; Eriksson, Leif; Carvajal, Gisela

2017-04-01

Using sea surface temperature from satellite images to retrieve sea surface currents is not a new idea, but so far its operational near-real time implementation has not been possible. Validation studies are too region-specific or uncertain, due to the errors induced by the images themselves. Moreover, the sensitivity of the most common retrieval method, the maximum cross correlation, to the three parameters that have to be set is unknown. Using model outputs instead of satellite images, biases induced by this method are assessed here, for four different seas of Western Europe, and the best of nine settings and eight temporal resolutions are determined. For all regions, tracking a small 5 km pattern from the first image over a large 30 km region around its original location on a second image, separated from the first image by 6 to 9 hours returned the most accurate results. Moreover, for all regions, the problem is not inaccurate results but missing results, where the velocity is too low to be picked by the retrieval. The results are consistent both with limitations caused by ocean surface current dynamics and with the available satellite technology, indicating that automated sea surface current retrieval from sea surface temperature images is feasible now, for search and rescue operations, pollution confinement or even for more energy efficient and comfortable ship navigation.

Microprocessor Controlled Maximum Power Point Tracker for Photovoltaic Application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiya, J. D.; Tahirou, G.

2002-01-01

This paper presents a microprocessor controlled maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic module. Input current and voltage are measured and multiplied within the microprocessor, which contains an algorithm to seek the maximum power point. The duly cycle of the DC-DC converter, at which the maximum power occurs is obtained, noted and adjusted. The microprocessor constantly seeks for improvement of obtained power by varying the duty cycle

Temperature and pinning strength dependence of the critical current of a superconductor with a square periodic array of pinning sites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benkraouda, M.; Obaidat, I.M.; Al Khawaja, U.

2006-01-01

We have conducted extensive series of molecular dynamic simulations on driven vortex lattices interacting with periodic square arrays of pinning sites. In solving the over damped equation of vortex motion we took into account the vortex-vortex repulsion interaction, the attractive vortex-pinning interaction, and the driving Lorentz force at several values of temperature. We have studied the effect of varying the driving Lorentz force and varying the pinning strength on the critical current for several pinning densities, and temperature values. We have found that the pinning strength play an important role in enhancing the critical current over the whole temperature range. At low temperatures, the critical current was found to increase linearly with increasing the pinning strengths for all pinning densities. As the temperature increases, the effect of small pinning strengths diminishes and becomes insignificant at high temperatures

High critical current density YBCO films and fabrication of dc-SQUIDs

CERN Document Server

Kuriki, S; Kawaguchi, Y; Matsuda, M; Otowa, T

2002-01-01

In order to improve the sensitivity of SQUID magnetometers made of high-T sub c films, we have studied the conditions of pulsed-laser deposition of YBCO films. Among the different deposition parameters examined, extensive degassing of the vacuum chamber before and precise control of the substrate temperature during the film deposition were found effective for obtaining high critical temperature T sub c and high critical current density J sub c. It was also found that the residual-resistance ratio has a clear correlation with J sub c , indicating that it can be a good, and easy to measure, index of the film quality. Films having T sub c approx 89-90 K and J sub c >= 5x10 sup 6 A cm sup - sup 2 at 77 K were used to fabricate SQUIDs without a pickup loop. Grain-boundary junctions formed on bicrystal substrates with a 30 deg. misorientation angle exhibited I sub c R sub n values of more than 100 mu V at 77 K. The well-known scaling behaviour of the relation I sub c R sub n propor to (J sup G sup B sub c) sup 1 su...

Exploring high-density baryonic matter: Maximum freeze-out density

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Randrup, Joergen [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Nuclear Science Division, Berkeley, CA (United States); Cleymans, Jean [University of Cape Town, UCT-CERN Research Centre and Department of Physics, Rondebosch (South Africa)

2016-08-15

The hadronic freeze-out line is calculated in terms of the net baryon density and the energy density instead of the usual T and μ{sub B}. This analysis makes it apparent that the freeze-out density exhibits a maximum as the collision energy is varied. This maximum freeze-out density has μ{sub B} = 400 - 500 MeV, which is above the critical value, and it is reached for a fixed-target bombarding energy of 20-30 GeV/N well within the parameters of the proposed NICA collider facility. (orig.)

Information theory explanation of the fluctuation theorem, maximum entropy production and self-organized criticality in non-equilibrium stationary states

CERN Document Server

Dewar, R

2003-01-01

Jaynes' information theory formalism of statistical mechanics is applied to the stationary states of open, non-equilibrium systems. First, it is shown that the probability distribution p subGAMMA of the underlying microscopic phase space trajectories GAMMA over a time interval of length tau satisfies p subGAMMA propor to exp(tau sigma subGAMMA/2k sub B) where sigma subGAMMA is the time-averaged rate of entropy production of GAMMA. Three consequences of this result are then derived: (1) the fluctuation theorem, which describes the exponentially declining probability of deviations from the second law of thermodynamics as tau -> infinity; (2) the selection principle of maximum entropy production for non-equilibrium stationary states, empirical support for which has been found in studies of phenomena as diverse as the Earth's climate and crystal growth morphology; and (3) the emergence of self-organized criticality for flux-driven systems in the slowly-driven limit. The explanation of these results on general inf...

Three-level grid-connected photovoltaic inverter with maximum power point tracking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsang, K.M.; Chan, W.L.

2013-01-01

Highlight: ► This paper reports a novel 3-level grid connected photovoltaic inverter. ► The inverter features maximum power point tracking and grid current shaping. ► The inverter can be acted as an active filter and a renewable power source. - Abstract: This paper presents a systematic way of designing control scheme for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter featuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and grid current shaping. Unlike conventional design, only four power switches are required to achieve three output levels and it is not necessary to use any phase-locked-loop circuitry. For the proposed scheme, a simple integral controller has been designed for the tracking of the maximum power point of a PV array based on an improved extremum seeking control method. For the grid-connected inverter, a current loop controller and a voltage loop controller have been designed. The current loop controller is designed to shape the inverter output current while the voltage loop controller can maintain the capacitor voltage at a certain level and provide a reference inverter output current for the PV inverter without affecting the maximum power point of the PV array. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the tracking and control scheme.

Comparison of AC losses, magnetic field/current distributions and critical currents of superconducting circular pancake coils and infinitely long stacks using coated conductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuan Weijia; Campbell, A M; Hong, Z; Ainslie, M D; Coombs, T A, E-mail: wy215@cam.ac.u [Electronic, Power and Energy Conversion Group, Electrical Engineering Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA (United Kingdom)

2010-08-15

A model is presented for calculating the AC losses, magnetic field/current density distribution and critical currents of a circular superconducting pancake coil. The assumption is that the magnetic flux lines will lie parallel to the wide faces of tapes in the unpenetrated area of the coil. Instead of using an infinitely long stack to approximate the circular coil, this paper gives an exact circular coil model using elliptic integrals. A new efficient numerical method is introduced to yield more accurate and fast computation. The computation results are in good agreement with the assumptions. For a small value of the coil radius, there is an asymmetry along the coil radius direction. As the coil radius increases, this asymmetry will gradually decrease, and the AC losses and penetration depth will increase, but the critical current will decrease. We find that if the internal radius is equal to the winding thickness, the infinitely long stack approximation overestimates the loss by 10% and even if the internal radius is reduced to zero, the error is still only 60%. The infinitely long stack approximation is therefore adequate for most practical purposes. In addition, the comparison result shows that the infinitely long stack approximation saves computation time significantly.

Critical current scaling and the pivot-point in Nb3Sn strands

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsui, Y; Hampshire, D P

2012-01-01

Detailed measurements are provided of the engineering critical current density (J c ) and the index of transition (n-value) of two different types of advanced ITER Nb 3 Sn superconducting strand for fusion applications. The samples consist of one internal-tin strand (OST) and two bronze-route strands (BEAS I and BEAS II—reacted using different heat treatments). Tests on different sections of these wires show that prior to applying strain, J c is homogeneous to better than 2% along the length of each strand. J c data have been characterized as a function of magnetic field (B ≤ 14.5 T), temperature (4.2 K ≤ T ≤ 12 K) and applied axial strain ( − 1% ≤ ε A ≤ 0.8%). Strain-cycling tests demonstrate that the variable strain J c data are reversible to better than 2% when the applied axial strain is in the range of − 1% ≤ ε A ≤ 0.5%. The wires are damaged when the intrinsic strain (ε I ) is ε I ≥ 0.55% and ε I ≥ 0.23% for the OST and BEAS strands, respectively. The strain dependences of the normalized J c for each type of strand are similar to those of prototype strands of similar design measured in 2005 and 2008 to about 2% which makes them candidate strands for a round-robin interlaboratory comparison. The J c data are described by Durham, ITER and Josephson-junction parameterizations to an accuracy of about 4%. For all of these scaling laws, the percentage difference between the data and the parameterization is larger when J c is small, caused by high B, T or |ε I |. The n-values can be described by a modified power law of the form n=1+rI c s , where r and s are approximately constant and I c is the critical current. It has long been known that pivot-points (or cross-overs) in J c occur at high magnetic field and temperature. Changing the magnetic field or temperature from one side of the pivot-point to the other changes the highest J c sample to the lowest J c sample and vice versa. The pivot-point follows the B–T phase boundary

Electron density distribution in Si and Ge using multipole, maximum ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Si and Ge has been studied using multipole, maximum entropy method (MEM) and ... and electron density distribution using the currently available versatile ..... data should be subjected to maximum possible utility for the characterization of.

Anisotropy of critical current density in the superconducting Nb/sub 3/Sn tape wires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Glowacki, B A [Technical Univ., Wroclaw (Poland). Inst. of Fundamental Electrotechnics and Electrotechnology

1985-04-01

In this letter the results are presented of an investigation of Isub(c parallel) and Isub(c perpendicular) in Nb/sub 3/Sn layers obtained in the process diffusion of tin atoms from liquid bronze solution Cu-80% Sn to the Nb-1.5% Zr substrate. Measurements of critical current density in Nb/sub 3/Sn layers were carried out in a perpendicular magnetic field of the induction value 4.25 T for different sample surface orientations in relation to the magnetic field strength vector defined by the value of angle. The critical current density was measured at a temperature of 4.2 K. Phase identification and investigation of the microstructure of superconducting Nb-Sn layers were performed on the Moessbauer spectrometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Classification measurements of grains in Nb-Sn layers were carried out with TV automatic image analyser. The texture and lattice parameter in Nb/sub 3/Sn layers were investigated by means of an X-ray diffractometer. The surface zone of Nb/sub 3/Sn layer was removed with the use of an argon ion gun. Results are presented and discussed.

Comparing modeled and observed changes in mineral dust transport and deposition to Antarctica between the Last Glacial Maximum and current climates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Albani, Samuel [University of Siena, Graduate School in Polar Sciences, Siena (Italy); University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Environmental Sciences, Milano (Italy); Cornell University, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Ithaca, NY (United States); Mahowald, Natalie M. [Cornell University, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Ithaca, NY (United States); Delmonte, Barbara; Maggi, Valter [University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Environmental Sciences, Milano (Italy); Winckler, Gisela [Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY (United States); Columbia University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, New York, NY (United States)

2012-05-15

Mineral dust aerosols represent an active component of the Earth's climate system, by interacting with radiation directly, and by modifying clouds and biogeochemistry. Mineral dust from polar ice cores over the last million years can be used as paleoclimate proxy, and provide unique information about climate variability, as changes in dust deposition at the core sites can be due to changes in sources, transport and/or deposition locally. Here we present results from a study based on climate model simulations using the Community Climate System Model. The focus of this work is to analyze simulated differences in the dust concentration, size distribution and sources in current climate conditions and during the Last Glacial Maximum at specific ice core locations in Antarctica, and compare with available paleodata. Model results suggest that South America is the most important source for dust deposited in Antarctica in current climate, but Australia is also a major contributor and there is spatial variability in the relative importance of the major dust sources. During the Last Glacial Maximum the dominant source in the model was South America, because of the increased activity of glaciogenic dust sources in Southern Patagonia-Tierra del Fuego and the Southernmost Pampas regions, as well as an increase in transport efficiency southward. Dust emitted from the Southern Hemisphere dust source areas usually follow zonal patterns, but southward flow towards Antarctica is located in specific areas characterized by southward displacement of air masses. Observations and model results consistently suggest a spatially variable shift in dust particle sizes. This is due to a combination of relatively reduced en route wet removal favouring a generalized shift towards smaller particles, and on the other hand to an enhanced relative contribution of dry coarse particle deposition in the Last Glacial Maximum. (orig.)

Critical Current Properties in Longitudinal Magnetic Field of YBCO Superconductor with APC

Science.gov (United States)

Kido, R.; Kiuchi, M.; Otabe, E. S.; Matsushita, T.; Jha, A. K.; Matsumoto, K.

The critical current density (Jc) properties of the Artificial Pinning Center (APC) introduced YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) films in the longitudinal magnetic field were measured. Y2O3 or Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) was introduced as APCs to YBCO, and YBCO films with APC were fabricated on SrTiO3 single crystal substrate. The sizes of Y2O3 and Y211 were 5-10 nm and 10-20 nm, respectively. As a result, Jc enhancement in the longitudinal magnetic field was observed in Y2O3 introduced YBCO films. However, it was not observed in Y211 introduced YBCO films. Therefore, it was considered that Jc properties in the longitudinal magnetic field were affected by introducing of small size APC, and it was necessary that APC does not disturb the current pathway in the superconductor.

Magnetic penetration depth δ o and critical current density in Y-BA-Cu-O crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zavaritsky, N.V.; Zavaritsky, V.N.

1989-01-01

Magnetic penetration depthδ o ∼1.03 10 - 5 cm and critical current density (j c = 0.5 divided-by 1 x 10 5 A/cm 2 at T/T ∼0.98) are determined from low-field do magnetization measurements on Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 - crystals

Double disordered YBCO coated conductors of industrial scale: high currents in high magnetic field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abraimov, D; Francis, A; Jaroszynski, J; McCallister, J; Polyanskii, A; Santos, M; Viouchkov, Y L; Ballarino, A; Bottura, L; Rossi, L; Barth, C; Senatore, C; Dietrich, R; Rutt, A; Schlenga, K; Usoskin, A; Majkic, G S; Selvamanickam, V

2015-01-01

A significant increase of critical current in high magnetic field, up to 31 T, was recorded in long tapes manufactured by employing a double-disorder route. In a double-disordered high-temperature superconductor (HTS), a superimposing of intrinsic and extrinsic disorder takes place in a way that (i) the intrinsic disorder is caused by local stoichiometry deviations that lead to defects of crystallinity that serve as pining centers in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O x−δ matrix and (ii) the extrinsic disorder is introduced via embedded atoms or particles of foreign material (e.g. barium zirconate), which create a set of lattice defects. We analyzed possible technological reasons for this current gain. The properties of these tapes over a wider field-temperature range as well as field anisotropy were also studied. Record values of critical current as high as 309 A at 31 T, 500 A at 18 Tm and 1200 A at 5 T were found in 4 mm wide tape at 4.2 K and B perpendicular to tape surface. HTS layers were processed in medium-scale equipment that allows a maximum batch length of 250 m while 22 m long batches were provided for investigation. Abnormally high ratios (up to 10) of critical current density measured at 4.2 K, 19 T to critical current density measured at 77 K, self-field were observed in tapes with the highest in-field critical current. Anisotropy of the critical current as well as angular dependences of n and α values were investigated. The temperature dependence of critical current is presented for temperatures between 4.2 and 40 K. Prospects for the suppression of the dog-bone effect by Cu plating and upscale of processing chain to >500 m piece length are discussed. (paper)

Double disordered YBCO coated conductors of industrial scale: high currents in high magnetic field

Science.gov (United States)

Abraimov, D.; Ballarino, A.; Barth, C.; Bottura, L.; Dietrich, R.; Francis, A.; Jaroszynski, J.; Majkic, G. S.; McCallister, J.; Polyanskii, A.; Rossi, L.; Rutt, A.; Santos, M.; Schlenga, K.; Selvamanickam, V.; Senatore, C.; Usoskin, A.; Viouchkov, Y. L.

2015-11-01

A significant increase of critical current in high magnetic field, up to 31 T, was recorded in long tapes manufactured by employing a double-disorder route. In a double-disordered high-temperature superconductor (HTS), a superimposing of intrinsic and extrinsic disorder takes place in a way that (i) the intrinsic disorder is caused by local stoichiometry deviations that lead to defects of crystallinity that serve as pining centers in the YBa2Cu3O x-δ matrix and (ii) the extrinsic disorder is introduced via embedded atoms or particles of foreign material (e.g. barium zirconate), which create a set of lattice defects. We analyzed possible technological reasons for this current gain. The properties of these tapes over a wider field-temperature range as well as field anisotropy were also studied. Record values of critical current as high as 309 A at 31 T, 500 A at 18 Tm and 1200 A at 5 T were found in 4 mm wide tape at 4.2 K and B perpendicular to tape surface. HTS layers were processed in medium-scale equipment that allows a maximum batch length of 250 m while 22 m long batches were provided for investigation. Abnormally high ratios (up to 10) of critical current density measured at 4.2 K, 19 T to critical current density measured at 77 K, self-field were observed in tapes with the highest in-field critical current. Anisotropy of the critical current as well as angular dependences of n and α values were investigated. The temperature dependence of critical current is presented for temperatures between 4.2 and 40 K. Prospects for the suppression of the dog-bone effect by Cu plating and upscale of processing chain to >500 m piece length are discussed.

Angular dependence of critical current density and magnetoresistance of sputtered high-T{sub c}-films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geerkens, A.; Frenck, H.J.; Ewert, S. [Technical Univ. of Cottbus (Germany)] [and others

1994-12-31

The angular dependence of the critical current density and the magnetoresistance of high-T{sub c}-films in high and low magnetic fields and for different temperatures were measured to investigate the flux pinning and the superconducting properties. A comparison of the results for the different superconductors shows their increasing dependence on the angle {Theta} between the magnetic field and the c-axis of the film due to the anisotropy of the chosen superconductor. Furthermore the influence of the current direction to the {Theta}-rotation plane is discussed.

Maximum power point tracking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Enslin, J.H.R.

1990-01-01

A well engineered renewable remote energy system, utilizing the principal of Maximum Power Point Tracking can be m ore cost effective, has a higher reliability and can improve the quality of life in remote areas. This paper reports that a high-efficient power electronic converter, for converting the output voltage of a solar panel, or wind generator, to the required DC battery bus voltage has been realized. The converter is controlled to track the maximum power point of the input source under varying input and output parameters. Maximum power point tracking for relative small systems is achieved by maximization of the output current in a battery charging regulator, using an optimized hill-climbing, inexpensive microprocessor based algorithm. Through practical field measurements it is shown that a minimum input source saving of 15% on 3-5 kWh/day systems can easily be achieved. A total cost saving of at least 10-15% on the capital cost of these systems are achievable for relative small rating Remote Area Power Supply systems. The advantages at larger temperature variations and larger power rated systems are much higher. Other advantages include optimal sizing and system monitor and control

Enhancements of the critical currents of YBaCuO single crystals by neutron (n) and proton (p) irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vlcek, B.M.; Frischherz, M.C.; Vishwanathan, H.K.; Welp, U.; Crabtree, G.W.; Kirk, M.A.

1992-01-01

We present results of magnetization hysteresis and T c measurements of neutron and proton irradiated YBaCuO single crystals. The crystals used for comparison were irradiated to a fluence of 2x10 7 n/cm 2 (n,E > 0.1MeV) and 1x10 16 p/cm 2 (p,E=3.5MeV). The critical currents at 1T and 10K are enhanced by a factor of 5 for the neutron irradiated and a factor of 9 for the proton irradiated sample respectively. After irradiation the crystals were annealed at 100, 200 and 300C for 8h each in air. Following each annealing step the critical temperature and the magnetization hysteresis at 10 and 70K was measured. Upon annealing, we observe a decrease of the critical currents, which is more pronounced for the proton irradiated sample. This decrease is related to the removal of point defects or their small clusters. Thus, their contribution to pinning can be studied. The critical temperature decreases after both types of irradiation by about 0.5K and is fully recovered after annealing

Effect of the critical current density and the junction size on the leakage current of Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb superconducting tunnel junctions for radiation detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Joosse, K.; Nakagawa, Hiroshi; Akoh, Hiroshi; Takada, Susumu; Maehata, Keisuke; Ishibashi, Kenji.

1996-01-01

Nb/Al-AlO x /Nb superconducting tunnel junctions (STJ's) designed for X-ray detection have been fabricated. The behavior of the low-temperature subgap leakage current, which severely limits the energy resolution obtained in such devices, is investigated. From trends in the dependence of the leakage currents on the critical current density and the size of the STJ, as well as from the low-temperature current-voltage characteristics, and an analysis of the base electrode surface morphology, it is concluded that physical defects in the barrier region are the most probable cause of the leakage currents. Suggestions are given for optimization of the device processing. (author)

Superconducting critical-current densities of commercial multifilamentary Nb3Sn(Ti) wires made by the bronze process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suenaga, M.; Tsuchiya, K.; Higuchi, N.; Tachikawa, K.

1985-01-01

Superconducting critical-current densities Jsub(c) in fields up to 24 T and at 4.2 and 1.8 K were measured for a number of commercial Nb 3 Sn wires which were alloyed with Ti. The best values of Jsub(c) at 20 T and at 4.2 and 1.8 K were 78 and 156 A mm -2 , respectively. In order to achieve these high current densities at H>20 T, it was shown that nonuniformity of the filaments had to be minimized. It was also shown that the grain size of Nb 3 Sn is not very important in determining Jsub(c) at these high magnetic fields, and that achieving high values of critical magnetic field Hsub(c2) is more important than small grain size. (author)

Critical Analysis of Non-Nuclear Electron-Density Maxima and the Maximum Entropy Method

NARCIS (Netherlands)

de Vries, R.Y.; Briels, Willem J.; Feil, D.; Feil, D.

1996-01-01

Experimental evidence for the existence of non-nuclear maxima in charge densities is questioned. It is shown that the non-nuclear maxima reported for silicon are artifacts of the maximum entropy method that was used to analyze the x-ray diffraction data. This method can be improved by the use of

Advances in superconductivity: new materials, critical currents and devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pinto, R.; Malik, S.K.; Grover, A.K.; Ayyub, P.

1997-01-01

The discovery of superconductivity in the cuprates produced an explosive growth in research, driven by the quest for higher and higher superconducting transition temperatures. In the initial stages, the excitement was tremendous both in the physical sciences and in engineering. However, the complexity of the new materials on the one hand, and the absence of a viable theory on the other, have made further developments much more difficult. It is to be expected therefore, that the early excitement and the subsequent rapid advances have paved the way for more systematic and detailed studies of all aspects of superconductivity. The International Symposium was intended to provide a forum to review the progress in selected areas in superconductivity. The emphasis was on experimental and theoretical studies of the new superconductors, advances in the theoretical understanding, progress in studies of flux pinning and vortex dynamics which affect critical currents, and developments of novel material synthesis methods. Recent developments in the twin areas of thin films and devices were extensively discussed during the symposium. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately

Perineuronal nets increase inhibitory GABAergic currents during the critical period in rats

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zheng-Qin Yin

2013-04-01

Full Text Available AIM: To investigate inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA ergic postsynaptic currents (IPSCs and postsynaptic currents (PSCs in layer IV of the rat visual cortex during the critical period and when plasticity was extended through dissolution of the perineuronal nets (PNNs.METHODS:We employed 24 normal Long-Evans rats to study GABAA-PSC characteristics of neurons within layer IV of the visual cortex during development. The animals were divided into six groups of four rats according to ages at recording:PW3 (P21-23d, PW4 (P28-30d, PW5 (P35-37d, PW6 (P42-44d, PW7 (P49-51d, and PW8 (56-58d. An additional 24 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG degradation rats (also Long-Evans were generated by making a pattern of injections of chondroitinase ABC (chABC into the visual cortex 1 week prior to recording at PW3, PW4, PW5, PW6, PW7, and PW8. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the effect of chABC injection on CSPGs. PSCswere detected with whole-cell patch recordings, and GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs were pharmacologically isolated.RESULTS:IPSC peak current showed a strong rise in the age-matched control group, peaked at PW5 and were maintained at a roughly constant value thereafter. Although there was a small increase in peak current for the chABC group with age, the peak currents continued to decrease with the delayed highest value at PW6, resulting in significantly different week-by-week comparison with normal development. IPSC decay time continued to increase until PW7 in the control group, while those in the chABC group were maintained at a stable level after an initial increase at PW4. Compared with normal rats, the decay times recorded in the chABC rats were always shorter, which differed significantly at each age. We did not observe any differences in IPSC properties between the age-matched control and penicillinase (P-ase group.However, the change in IPSCs after chABC treatment was not reflected in the total PSCs or in basic membrane

Mapping critical loads in Europe in the framework of the UN/CEE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hettelingh, J.P.

1993-01-01

Critical loads for acidity, sulphur and nitrogen have been computed and geographically mapped in Europe. Critical loads are compared to actual deposition of acidity and of sulphur. Results show that parts of central and north-west Europe receive 20 times or more acidity than the ecosystems' critical loads, thus affecting the long-term sustainability. The Regional Acidification INformation and Simulation model (RAINS) is used to assess 2 scenarios of emission reduction. The first scenario describes currently applied reductions whereas the second assesses the application of maximum feasible reductions to SO 2 and NO x . The latter scenario significantly reduces the area of Europe where critical loads are exceeded. In general, it is shown that a pan-european policy is of highest necessity for obtaining an efficient reduction of acidic emissions throughout Europe. For France, in particular, it is concluded that the excess of critical loads for acidity is largely due to ammonia

Effects of stress on critical current in V3Ga tape

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Touichi; Terada, R.

1979-01-01

For the generation of magnetic field less than 8T NbTi conductors have been used with considerable reliability. For the higher field (which is strongly expected for advanced SCM in near future) compound type superconductors such as Nb 3 Sn or V 3 Ga are to be used. These compound superconducting materials are, however, intrinsically brittle, so that it has been said that considerable degradation cannot be avoided, if they are subjected to certain amount of strain say, --0.1%. This is the main reason that compound superconducting materials have been hesitated to the application to the LARGE magnets. To give a clearer insight to the problem we have studied stress/strain degradation effects on commercially available superconducting V 3 Ga tape using specially designed apparatus by making ''in situ'' experiment, i.e. 1) in liquid He, 2) with external magnetic field, 3) with current in the conductor and 4) with stresses. An interesting and very important results were obtained that the critical current density increases with stress (or strain) at the first stage and degraded drastically after the sample is strained higher than about ''one percent''. (author)

Magnetization, critical current, and injection field harmonics in superconducting accelerator magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghosh, A.K.; Sampson, W.B.; Wanderer, P.

1985-01-01

The very large energy ratio of machines such as the SSC dictates rather low injection field (for 6T, 20 TeV it is approximately 0.3T). Since the harmonic content at such low fields is largely determined by magnetization currents in the superconductor, the random errors depend on the uniformity of the superconducting wire. In principle the magnitude of the residual fields can be reduced indefinitely by using finer filaments, but in practice there is a lower limit of a few microns. We have compared the injection field harmonics for a number of accelerator dipoles with magnetization measurements made on samples of the conductor used to wind the coils. In addition both the magnetization and harmonics have been compared with short sample critical current measurements made at 5T. The results indicated that an accurate estimate of the variation in injection field harmonics can only be obtained from direct measurements of the magnetization of the cable. It appears feasible to use such measurements to ''shuffle'' magnets for a large accelerator by predicting the low field properties of a magnet before actually winding the coils. 10 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs

Distribution Analysis of the Local Critical Temperature and Current Density in YBCO Coated Conductors using Low-temperature Scanning Laser and Hall Probe Microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. K.; Cho, B. R.; Park, H. Y.; Ri, H. C.

2011-01-01

Distribution of the local critical temperature and current density in YBCO coated conductors were analyzed using Low-temperature Scanning Laser and Hall Probe Microscopy (LTSLHPM). We prepared YBCO coated conductors of various bridge types to study the spatial distribution of the critical temperature and the current density in single and multi bridges. LTSLHPM system was modified for detailed linescan or two-dimensional scan both scanning laser and scanning Hall probe method simultaneously. We analyzed the local critical temperature of single and multi bridges from series of several linescans of scanning laser microscopy. We also investigated local current density and hysteresis curve of single bridge from experimental results of scanning Hall probe microscopy.

Critical currents of Y sub 1 Ba sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7-. delta. ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vasiliev, B V; Obukhov, Yu V [Joint Inst. for Nuclear Research, Low Temperature Physics Dept., Moscow (USSR)

1991-12-01

The magnetization measurements on a ceramic YBaCuO sample were carried out. The M(H,T) dependence has demonstrated some peculiarities which we suppose to be connected with H{sub j1}, H{sub j2}, H{sub C1} fields. By analizing the magnetization in the field region between H{sub j1} and H{sub j2} within the frame of the critical state model one can found the dependence of the intergranular critical current density on field and temperature. (orig.).

Milrinone for cardiac dysfunction in critically ill adult patients

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Koster, Geert; Bekema, Hanneke J; Wetterslev, Jørn

2016-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Milrinone is an inotrope widely used for treatment of cardiac failure. Because previous meta-analyses had methodological flaws, we decided to conduct a systematic review of the effect of milrinone in critically ill adult patients with cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: This systematic...... trials were at high risk of bias, and none reported the primary composite outcome SAE. Fourteen trials with 1611 randomised patients reported mortality data at maximum follow-up (RR 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.76-1.21). Milrinone did not significantly affect other patient-centred outcomes. All...... analyses displayed statistical and/or clinical heterogeneity of patients, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and/or settings and all featured missing data. DISCUSSION: The current evidence on the use of milrinone in critically ill adult patients with cardiac dysfunction suffers from considerable risks...

Vortex lines in layered superconductors. II. Pinning and critical currents in high temperature superconductors

Science.gov (United States)

Manuel, P.

1994-02-01

In this article, a qualitative survey is given on the various phenomena which influence the critical current of high temperature superconductors. Critical current is defined as a property related to a non-zero electric field criterion, the level of which is fixed by experimental considerations, or efficiency requirements of applications. The presentation is restricted to extrinsic intragranular critical current, which depends in a complex way on the interplay between the characteristics of pinning centres and the properties of the vortex lattice. The discussion is focussed on the configuration {B} / / {c}, which contains the main elements of this problem. Differences of behaviour between Y(123) and BSCCO (Bi(2212) or Bi(2223)) are analysed in the context of their respective anisotropy factors. Possible regimes for pinning and creep are discussed in various temperature domains. From critical current results, a strong pinning regime is found to occur in BSCCO, whereas the pinning strength in Y(123) is still an open question. The thermal decrease of critical current allows a collective creep regime to appear in both materials, but at different temperature ranges. The disappearance of correlation effects near the irreversibility line results in a fall of the effective pinning energy. We show that in BSCCO, the effective pinning energy deduced from experimental results is not in agreement with pinning by randomly dispersed oxygen vacancies. Finally, we shortly describe the microstructures which could allow a more efficient pinning in future materials. On effectue une présentation qualitative des divers phénomènes qui contrôlent la valeur du courant critique dans les supraconducteurs à haute température. La notion de courant critique qui est utilisée est reliée à un critère de champ électrique non nul, fixé par des considérations expérimentales ou des exigences de rendement pour les applications. On se restreint au problème des courants critiques

Finite element transport methods for criticality calculations - current status and potential applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, C.R.E. de; Goddard, A.

1991-01-01

In this paper we review the current status of the finite element method applied to the solution of the neutron transport equation and we discuss its potential role in the field of criticality safety. We show that the method's ability in handling complex, irregular geometry in two- and three-dimensions coupled with its accurate solutions potentially renders it an attractive alternative to the longer-established Monte Carlo method. Details of the most favoured form of the method - that which combines finite elements in space and spherical harmonics in angle - are presented. This form of the method, which has been extensively investigated over the last decade by research groups at the University of London, has been numerically implemented in the finite element code EVENT. The code has among its main features the capability of solving fixed source eigenvalue and time-dependent complex geometry problems in two- and three-dimensions. Other features of the code include anisotropic up- and down-scatter, direct and/or adjoint solutions and access to standard data libraries. Numerical examples, ranging from simple criticality benchmark studies to the analysis of idealised three-dimensional reactor cores, are presented to demonstrate the potential of the method. (author)

The influence of atomic disordering on the critical currents in A15 superconductors near Hsub(c1)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faehnle, M.; Kronmueller, H.

1976-01-01

By a model calculation based on the Labbe-Friedel-van-Reuth model of A15 superconductors it is shown that atomic disordering in Nb 3 Sn reduces significantly the critical current densities, jsub(c), in materials with large pinning effects. (author)

Critical current anisotropy in Ag/(Pb,Bi){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+x} multifilamentary tapes: influence of self-magnetic field

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Majoros, M [IRC in Superconductivity, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom); Institute of Electrical Engineering, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava (Slovakia); Glowacki, B A [IRC in Superconductivity, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom); Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom); Campbell, A M [IRC in Superconductivity, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom)

2001-06-01

Two factors affect critical current anisotropy in multifilamentary Ag/(Pb,Bi){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+x} tapes - the intrinsic material anisotropy and the geometry. Experimental results on the magnetic field dependence and anisotropy of the critical current in a multifilamentary Ag/(Pb,Bi){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+x} tape after correction for self-magnetic field effects were found to fit the anisotropic Kim relation. Based on this relation a finite-element-method numerical code for solving the nonlinear Poisson equation for vector magnetic potential was adopted. It allowed the experimental data to be reproduced by back calculation and made possible the study of the interplay of self and external magnetic fields in different cases with well defined physical parameters of the material. The model was used to analyse the distribution of the critical current in individual filaments as well as to evaluate the influence of their geometrical arrangements on the critical current of the tape. The self-field critical current of an individual filament 'extracted' from the tape was compared with the critical current of the overall tape. The effect of the self-magnetic field on critical current distribution obtained by the cutting method was determined. The critical currents of the tapes with different cross sections were calculated and compared with experiments and the influence of the self-field was analysed. The anisotropic properties of a low anisotropy architecture of a multifilamentary Ag/(Pb,Bi){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+x} conductor were studied. The dependence of critical currents (normalized to self-field critical currents) on external magnetic field corrected for the self-field was found to follow nearly the same curves as those for tapes with different critical current densities (in the range 20-70 kA cm{sup -2} in a self-field), which makes the numerical model applicable to different tapes. (author)

Correlation between in-field critical currents in Zr-added (Gd, Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes at 30 and 77 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selvamanickam, V; Xu, A; Liu, Y; Khatri, ND; Lei, C; Chen, Y; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G

2014-03-11

Critical current (I-c) values of 1384 Lambda/12 mm, corresponding to a critical current density of 12.47 MA cm(-2) and a pinning force of 374 GN m(-3), have been achieved at 30 K, 3 T in the orientation of field parallel to the c axis (B parallel to c) in (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes with 15 mol% Zr addition made by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). These tapes show pinning force levels as high as 453 GN m(-3) at 30 K. An analysis of the properties of 24-28 (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes with 15 mol% Zr addition showed a lack of correlation between their critical currents at 30 K, 3 T (B parallel to c) and I-c values both at 77 K, zero field and at 77 K, 1 T (B parallel to c). However, a strong correlation was found between the critical currents at 30 K, 3 T and at 77 K, 3 T (B parallel to c). It has also been discovered that the minimum critical current (I-c, (min)) value at 77 K, 3 T has no influence on the I-c,I- (min) value at 30 K, 3 T, and it in turn depends on the ratio of the I-c values in the orientations of field parallel and perpendicular to the c axis at 77 K, 3 T.

Influence of copper volume fraction on tensile strain/stress tolerances of critical current in a copper-plated DyBCO-coated conductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ochiai, Shojiro; Okuda, Hiroshi; Arai, Takahiro; Sugano, Michinaka; Osamura, Kozo; Prusseit, Werner

2013-01-01

The influence of the volume fraction (V f ) of copper, plated at room temperature over a DyBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ -coated conductor, on the tensile strain tolerance and stress tolerance of critical current at 77 K was studied over a wide range of copper V f values. The copper plating exerts a tensile stress during cooling because copper has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the substrate conductor. Before application of tensile strain, the copper plated at room temperature yielded at 77 K when the copper V f was lower than a critical value, and was in an elastic state at 77 K when the copper V f was higher than the critical value. The strain tolerance of critical current increased with increasing copper V f due to an increase in thermally induced compressive strain in the substrate tape. The stress tolerance of critical current decreased with increasing copper V f because copper is softer than the substrate tape. These results, together with the trade-off between strain tolerance and stress tolerance (i.e., stress tolerance decreases with increasing strain tolerance), were analyzed by modeling. The results show that the restriction imposed by the trade-off, which limits the ability to simultaneously obtain a high strain tolerance and a high stress tolerance, can be relaxed by strengthening the copper. (author)

20 CFR 10.806 - How are the maximum fees defined?

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... AMENDED Information for Medical Providers Medical Fee Schedule § 10.806 How are the maximum fees defined? For professional medical services, the Director shall maintain a schedule of maximum allowable fees.../Current Procedural Terminology (HCPCS/CPT) code which represents the relative skill, effort, risk and time...

Enhancement of the critical current density in FeO-coated MgB2 thin films at high magnetic fields

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrei E. Surdu

2011-12-01

Full Text Available The effect of depositing FeO nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nm onto the surface of MgB2 thin films on the critical current density was studied in comparison with the case of uncoated MgB2 thin films. We calculated the superconducting critical current densities (Jc from the magnetization hysteresis (M–H curves for both sets of samples and found that the Jc value of FeO-coated films is higher at all fields and temperatures than the Jc value for uncoated films, and that it decreases to ~105 A/cm2 at B = 1 T and T = 20 K and remains approximately constant at higher fields up to 7 T.

Spatial variations in composition in high-critical-current-density Bi-2223 tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holesinger, T. G.; Bingert, J. F.; Teplitsky, M.; Li, Q.; Parrella, R.; Rupich, M. P.; Riley, G. N. Jr.

2000-01-01

A detailed compositional analysis of high-critical-current-density (J c ) (55 and 65 kA/cm2 at 77 K) (Bi, Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O y (Bi-2223) tapes was undertaken by energy dispersive spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope. Structural features were coupled with characteristic compositions of the Bi-2223 phase. The average of all compositional measurements of the Bi-2223 phase was determined to be Bi 1.88 Pb 0.23 Sr 1.96 Ca 1.95 Cu 2.98 O y . However, spatial variations in the Bi-2223 composition and differing phase equilibria were found throughout the filament structure. In particular, a considerable range of Bi-2223 compositions can be found within a single tape, and the lead content of the Bi-2223 phase is significantly depressed in the vicinity of lead-rich phases. The depletion of lead in the Bi-2223 phase around the 3221 phases may be a current-limiting microstructure in these tapes. (c) 2000 Materials Research Society

Pulsed critical current measurements of NbTi in perpendicular and parallel pulsed magnetic fields using the new Cryo-BI-Pulse System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stehr, V; Tan, K S; Hopkins, S C; Glowacki, B A; Keyser, A De; Bockstal, L Van; Deschagt, J

2006-01-01

Rapid transport current versus high magnetic field characterisation of high-irreversibility type II superconductors is important to maximise their critical parameters. HTS conductors are already used to produce insert coils that increase the fields of conventional magnets made from NbTi (Nb, Ta) 3 Sn and Nb 3 Al wires. There is fundamental interest in the study of HTS tapes and wires in magnetic fields higher than 21T, the current limit of superconducting magnets producing a DC field. Such fields can be obtained by using pulse techniques. High critical currents cannot be routinely measured with a continuous current applied at liquid helium, hydrogen or neon temperatures because of thermal and mechanical effects. A newly developed pulsed magnetic field and pulsed current system which allows rapid J c (B, T) measurements of the whole range of superconducting materials was tested with a multifilamentary NbTi wire in perpendicular and parallel orientations

Critical current simulation in granular superconductors above the percolation threshold

Science.gov (United States)

Riedinger, Roland

1992-02-01

In the phase-coherent regime without applied external magnetic field, the critical superconducting current is limited by intragranular junctions which behave like Josephson junctions. We study the percolation aspects specific to lattices of such junctions and/or the mixing of superconductor with normal grains by averaging over configurations. We illustrate on 2 and 3 dimensional examples. The power laws valid near the percolation threshold are valid well above it, in two and three dimensions. We discuss the other models limiting the superconducting current, the vortex creep and superconducting order parameter fluctuations. Dans la limite de champ magnétique nul et de cohérence de phase du paramètre d'ordre supraconducteur, le courant supraconducteur maximal dans un réseau est limité par les jonctions intergranulaires qui se comportent comme des jonctions Josephson. Nous analysons les problèmes de percolation spécifiques aux réseaux de jonctions et du mélange de grains normaux et supraconducteurs. Nous donnons des exemples bidimensionnels et tridimensionnels ; après moyenne sur les configurations et analyse en taille finie, nous montrons que les lois de puissance valables au voisinage du seuil de percolation s'étendent sur un grand domaine au-delà du seuil de percolation, à deux et trois dimensions. Nous discutons les autres modèles limitant le courant supraconducteur, ancrage de vortex et fluctuations du paramètre d'ordre.

Effect of external magnetic field on critical current for the onset of virtual cathode oscillations in relativistic electron beams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hramov, Alexander; Koronovskii, Alexey; Morozov, Mikhail; Mushtakov, Alexander

2008-01-01

In this Letter we research the space charge limiting current value at which the oscillating virtual cathode is formed in the relativistic electron beam as a function of the external magnetic field guiding the beam electrons. It is shown that the space charge limiting (critical) current decreases with growth of the external magnetic field, and that there is an optimal induction value of the magnetic field at which the critical current for the onset of virtual cathode oscillations in the electron beam is minimum. For the strong external magnetic field the space charge limiting current corresponds to the analytical relation derived under the assumption that the motion of the electron beam is one-dimensional [D.J. Sullivan, J.E. Walsh, E. Coutsias, in: V.L. Granatstein, I. Alexeff (Eds.), Virtual Cathode Oscillator (Vircator) Theory, in: High Power Microwave Sources, vol. 13, Artech House Microwave Library, 1987, Chapter 13]. Such behavior is explained by the characteristic features of the dynamics of electron space charge in the longitudinal and radial directions in the drift space at the different external magnetic fields

Maximum entropy methods for extracting the learned features of deep neural networks.

Science.gov (United States)

Finnegan, Alex; Song, Jun S

2017-10-01

New architectures of multilayer artificial neural networks and new methods for training them are rapidly revolutionizing the application of machine learning in diverse fields, including business, social science, physical sciences, and biology. Interpreting deep neural networks, however, currently remains elusive, and a critical challenge lies in understanding which meaningful features a network is actually learning. We present a general method for interpreting deep neural networks and extracting network-learned features from input data. We describe our algorithm in the context of biological sequence analysis. Our approach, based on ideas from statistical physics, samples from the maximum entropy distribution over possible sequences, anchored at an input sequence and subject to constraints implied by the empirical function learned by a network. Using our framework, we demonstrate that local transcription factor binding motifs can be identified from a network trained on ChIP-seq data and that nucleosome positioning signals are indeed learned by a network trained on chemical cleavage nucleosome maps. Imposing a further constraint on the maximum entropy distribution also allows us to probe whether a network is learning global sequence features, such as the high GC content in nucleosome-rich regions. This work thus provides valuable mathematical tools for interpreting and extracting learned features from feed-forward neural networks.

Electron mean free path dependence of the critical currents and the pair-breaking limit in superconducting films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fedorov, N.; Rinderer, L.

1977-01-01

We have studied the current-induced breakdown of superconductivity in wide (100--980 μm) and thin (0.25--0.98 μm) films of tin. It is shown that the current at which the resistance of the sample begins to rise rapidly in the process of the destruction of superconductivity by a current can be fairly well associated with the theoretical value of the pair-breaking current in the Ginzburg-Landau phenomenological approach (I/sub c//sup G L/). This effect is observed over a rather wide temperature region (up to ΔTapprox.0.7 K), depending on the electron mean free path in the films. The values of the critical currents outside the above-mentioned region correlate qualitatively with those determined by inhomogeneities of the films as proposed by Larkin and Ovchinnikov

Current-mode minimax circuit

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wassenaar, R.F.

1992-01-01

The minimum-maximum (minimax) circuit selects the minimum and maximum of two input currents. Four transistors in matched pairs are operated in the saturation region. Because the behavior of the circuit is based on matched devices and is independent of the relationship between the drain current and

Improved critical current densities of bulk MgB.sub.2./sub. using carbon-coated amorphous boron

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Muralidhar, M.; Higuchi, M.; Jirsa, Miloš; Diko, P.; Kokal, I.; Murakami, M.

2017-01-01

Roč. 27, č. 4 (2017), s. 1-4, č. článku 6201104. ISSN 1051-8223 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : carbon-encapsulated boron * critical current density * flux pinning * micro-structure Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism OBOR OECD: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.) Impact factor: 1.092, year: 2015

Selection of the Maximum Spatial Cluster Size of the Spatial Scan Statistic by Using the Maximum Clustering Set-Proportion Statistic.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Yue; Yin, Fei; Zhang, Tao; Zhou, Xiaohua Andrew; Li, Xiaosong

2016-01-01

Spatial scan statistics are widely used in various fields. The performance of these statistics is influenced by parameters, such as maximum spatial cluster size, and can be improved by parameter selection using performance measures. Current performance measures are based on the presence of clusters and are thus inapplicable to data sets without known clusters. In this work, we propose a novel overall performance measure called maximum clustering set-proportion (MCS-P), which is based on the likelihood of the union of detected clusters and the applied dataset. MCS-P was compared with existing performance measures in a simulation study to select the maximum spatial cluster size. Results of other performance measures, such as sensitivity and misclassification, suggest that the spatial scan statistic achieves accurate results in most scenarios with the maximum spatial cluster sizes selected using MCS-P. Given that previously known clusters are not required in the proposed strategy, selection of the optimal maximum cluster size with MCS-P can improve the performance of the scan statistic in applications without identified clusters.

Remarks on the maximum luminosity

Science.gov (United States)

Cardoso, Vitor; Ikeda, Taishi; Moore, Christopher J.; Yoo, Chul-Moon

2018-04-01

The quest for fundamental limitations on physical processes is old and venerable. Here, we investigate the maximum possible power, or luminosity, that any event can produce. We show, via full nonlinear simulations of Einstein's equations, that there exist initial conditions which give rise to arbitrarily large luminosities. However, the requirement that there is no past horizon in the spacetime seems to limit the luminosity to below the Planck value, LP=c5/G . Numerical relativity simulations of critical collapse yield the largest luminosities observed to date, ≈ 0.2 LP . We also present an analytic solution to the Einstein equations which seems to give an unboundedly large luminosity; this will guide future numerical efforts to investigate super-Planckian luminosities.

Development of training simulator based on critical assemblies test bench

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Narozhnyi, A.T.; Vorontsov, S.V.; Golubeva, O.A.; Dyudyaev, A.M.; Il'in, V.I.; Kuvshinov, M.I.; Panin, A.V.; Peshekhonov, D.P.

2007-01-01

When preparing critical mass experiment, multiplying system (MS) parts are assembled manually. This work is connected with maximum professional risk to personnel. Personnel training and keeping the skill of working experts is the important factor of nuclear safety maintenance. For this purpose authors develop a training simulator based on functioning critical assemblies test bench (CATB), allowing simulation of the MS assemblage using training mockups made of inert materials. The control program traces the current status of MS under simulation. A change in the assembly neutron physical parameters is mapped in readings of the regular devices. The simulator information support is provided by the computer database on physical characteristics of typical MS components The work in the training mode ensures complete simulation of real MS assemblage on the critical test bench. It makes it possible to elaborate the procedures related to CATB operation in a standard mode safely and effectively and simulate possible abnormal situations. (author)

Critical current density, irreversibility line, and flux creep activation energy in silver-sheathed Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, D.; Wang, Z.; Sengupta, S.; Smith, M.; Goodrich, L.F.; Dou, S.X.; Liu, H.K.; Guo, Y.C.

1992-08-01

Transport data, magnetic hysteresis and flux creep activation energy experimental results are presented for silver-sheathed high-T c Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x superconducting tapes. The 110 K superconducting phase was formed by lead doping in a Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-0 system. The transport critical current density was measured at 4.0 K to be 0.7 x 10 5 A/cm 2 (the corresponding critical current is 74 A) at zero field and 1.6 x 10 4 A/cm 2 at 12 T for H parallel ab. Excellent grain alignment in the a-b plane was achieved by a short-melting method, which considerably improved the critical current density and irreversibility line. Flux creep activation energy as a function of current is obtained based on the magnetic relaxation measurements

Criticality safety analysis for mockup facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shin, Young Joon; Shin, Hee Sung; Kim, Ik Soo; Oh, Seung Chul; Ro, Seung Gy; Bae, Kang Mok

2000-03-01

Benchmark calculations for SCALE4.4 CSAS6 module have been performed for 31 UO 2 fuel, 15MOX fuel and 10 metal material criticality experiments and then calculation biases of the SCALE 4.4 CSAS6 module have been revealed to be 0.00982, 0.00579 and 0.02347, respectively. When CSAS6 is applied to the criticality safety analysis for the mockup facility in which several kinds of nuclear material components are included, the calculation bias of CSAS6 is conservatively taken to be 0.02347. With the aid of this benchmarked code system, criticality safety analyses for the mockup facility at normal and hypothetical accidental conditions have been carried out. It appears that the maximum K eff is 0.28356 well below than the critical limit, K eff =0.95 at normal condition. In a hypothetical accidental condition, the maximum K eff is found to be 0.73527 much lower than the subcritical limit. For another hypothetical accidental condition the nuclear material leaks out of container and spread or lump in the floor, it was assumed that the nuclear material is shaped into a slab and water exists in the empty space of the nuclear material. K eff has been calculated as function of slab thickness and the volume ratio of water to nuclear material. The result shows that the K eff increases as the water volume ratio increases. It is also revealed that the K eff reaches to the maximum value when water if filled in the empty space of nuclear material. The maximum K eff value is 0.93960 lower than the subcritical limit

Current practices in the identification of critical habitat for threatened species.

Science.gov (United States)

Camaclang, Abbey E; Maron, Martine; Martin, Tara G; Possingham, Hugh P

2015-04-01

The term critical habitat is used to describe the subset of habitat that is essential to the survival and recovery of species. Some countries legally require that critical habitat of listed threatened and endangered species be identified and protected. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the identification of critical habitat has had much impact on species recovery. We hypothesized that this may be due at least partly to a mismatch between the intent of critical habitat identification, which is to protect sufficient habitat for species persistence and recovery, and its practice. We used content analysis to systematically review critical habitat documents from the United States, Canada, and Australia. In particular, we identified the major trends in type of information used to identify critical habitat and in occupancy of habitat identified as critical. Information about population viability was used to identify critical habitat for only 1% of the species reviewed, and for most species, designated critical habitat did not include unoccupied habitat. Without reference to population viability, it is difficult to determine how much of a species' occupied and unoccupied habitat will be required for persistence. We therefore conclude that the identification of critical habitat remains inconsistent with the goal of protecting sufficient habitat to support persistence and recovery of the species. Ensuring that critical habitat identification aligns more closely with its intent will improve the accuracy of the designations and may therefore help improve the benefits to species recovery when combined with adequate implementation and enforcement of legal protections. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

Critical current density measurement of thin films by AC susceptibility based on the penetration parameter h

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Xiao-Fen; Grivel, Jean-Claude; Abrahamsen, Asger B.

2012-01-01

We have numerically proved that the dependence of AC susceptibility χ of a E(J) power law superconducting thin disc on many parameters can be reduced to one penetration parameter h, with E the electric field and J the current density. Based on this result, we propose a way of measuring the critical...... current density Jc of superconducting thin films by AC susceptibility. Compared with the normally used method based on the peak of the imaginary part, our method uses a much larger range of the AC susceptibility curve, thus allowing determination of the temperature (T) dependence of Jc from a normally...

Maximum neutron flux in thermal reactors; Maksimum neutronskog fluksa kod termalnih reaktora

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Strugar, P V [Institute of Nuclear Sciences Boris Kidric, Vinca, Beograd (Yugoslavia)

1968-07-01

Direct approach to the problem is to calculate spatial distribution of fuel concentration if the reactor core directly using the condition of maximum neutron flux and comply with thermal limitations. This paper proved that the problem can be solved by applying the variational calculus, i.e. by using the maximum principle of Pontryagin. Mathematical model of reactor core is based on the two-group neutron diffusion theory with some simplifications which make it appropriate from maximum principle point of view. Here applied theory of maximum principle are suitable for application. The solution of optimum distribution of fuel concentration in the reactor core is obtained in explicit analytical form. The reactor critical dimensions are roots of a system of nonlinear equations and verification of optimum conditions can be done only for specific examples.

Modelling information flow along the human connectome using maximum flow.

Science.gov (United States)

Lyoo, Youngwook; Kim, Jieun E; Yoon, Sujung

2018-01-01

The human connectome is a complex network that transmits information between interlinked brain regions. Using graph theory, previously well-known network measures of integration between brain regions have been constructed under the key assumption that information flows strictly along the shortest paths possible between two nodes. However, it is now apparent that information does flow through non-shortest paths in many real-world networks such as cellular networks, social networks, and the internet. In the current hypothesis, we present a novel framework using the maximum flow to quantify information flow along all possible paths within the brain, so as to implement an analogy to network traffic. We hypothesize that the connection strengths of brain networks represent a limit on the amount of information that can flow through the connections per unit of time. This allows us to compute the maximum amount of information flow between two brain regions along all possible paths. Using this novel framework of maximum flow, previous network topological measures are expanded to account for information flow through non-shortest paths. The most important advantage of the current approach using maximum flow is that it can integrate the weighted connectivity data in a way that better reflects the real information flow of the brain network. The current framework and its concept regarding maximum flow provides insight on how network structure shapes information flow in contrast to graph theory, and suggests future applications such as investigating structural and functional connectomes at a neuronal level. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of the inter- and intra-granular critical currents in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7 welds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bozzo, B; Iliescu, S; Bartolome, E; Palau, A; Granados, X; Puig, T; Obradors, X; Amoros, J; Carrera, M

2005-01-01

A method for determining simultaneously the inter- and intra-grain critical currents has been developed in welded YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (YBCO) ceramics by solving the Inverse Problem for local maps of the magnetic field in the remanent state. From that current distribution, the current density flowing through the superconducting weld as well as the current density circulating inside the grains can be deduced. The method is discussed and it is applied to several examples of YBCO/Ag/YBCO welds. The results obtained show that it is possible to obtain superconducting joints with a quality at the same level as that of the starting material

Maximum nondiffracting propagation distance of aperture-truncated Airy beams

Science.gov (United States)

Chu, Xingchun; Zhao, Shanghong; Fang, Yingwu

2018-05-01

Airy beams have called attention of many researchers due to their non-diffracting, self-healing and transverse accelerating properties. A key issue in research of Airy beams and its applications is how to evaluate their nondiffracting propagation distance. In this paper, the critical transverse extent of physically realizable Airy beams is analyzed under the local spatial frequency methodology. The maximum nondiffracting propagation distance of aperture-truncated Airy beams is formulated and analyzed based on their local spatial frequency. The validity of the formula is verified by comparing the maximum nondiffracting propagation distance of an aperture-truncated ideal Airy beam, aperture-truncated exponentially decaying Airy beam and exponentially decaying Airy beam. Results show that the formula can be used to evaluate accurately the maximum nondiffracting propagation distance of an aperture-truncated ideal Airy beam. Therefore, it can guide us to select appropriate parameters to generate Airy beams with long nondiffracting propagation distance that have potential application in the fields of laser weapons or optical communications.

Maximum Entropy and Theory Construction: A Reply to Favretti

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

John Harte

2018-04-01

Full Text Available In the maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE, the form of a function describing the distribution of abundances over species and metabolic rates over individuals in an ecosystem is inferred using the maximum entropy inference procedure. Favretti shows that an alternative maximum entropy model exists that assumes the same prior knowledge and makes predictions that differ from METE’s. He shows that both cannot be correct and asserts that his is the correct one because it can be derived from a classic microstate-counting calculation. I clarify here exactly what the core entities and definitions are for METE, and discuss the relevance of two critical issues raised by Favretti: the existence of a counting procedure for microstates and the choices of definition of the core elements of a theory. I emphasize that a theorist controls how the core entities of his or her theory are defined, and that nature is the final arbiter of the validity of a theory.

Critical Education, Critical Pedagogies, Marxist Education in the United States

Science.gov (United States)

Foley, Jean Ann; Morris, Doug; Gounari, Panayota; Agostinone-Wilson, Faith

2015-01-01

As critical pedagogy becomes more mainstream on the educational landscape in the United States, it is important to revisit the original tenets of critical pedagogy and explore their current manifestations. Since the beginning of "criticalism" from the theoretical/foundational work of the Frankfurt School of Critical Social Theory,…

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve naming ability in post-stroke aphasia: A critical review.

Science.gov (United States)

ALHarbi, Mohammed F; Armijo-Olivo, Susan; Kim, Esther S

2017-08-14

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation tool that can be used to influence cortical brain activity to induce measurable behavioral changes. Although there is growing evidence that tDCS combined with behavioural language therapy could boost language recovery in patients with post-stroke aphasia, there is great variability in patient characteristics, treatment protocols, and outcome measures in these studies that poses challenges for analyzing the evidence. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the methodological rigor of the evidence regarding the use of tDCS for post-stroke anomia. This critical review was conducted by searching four databases (MEDLINE, EMBase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL). Nineteen studies fully met the inclusion criteria. Three critical appraisal tools and Robey and Schultz's (1998) five- phase model for conducting clinical outcome research were adopted to evaluate and analyze the current level of evidence. Methodological issues of the studies were also identified. The current level of evidence for using tDCS for anomia is at the pre-efficacy level with emerging evidence at the efficacy level. Lack of proper evaluation of carry-over effects in cross-over studies, lack of or unclear randomization, allocation concealment, and incomplete data handling were the main methodological issues that could threaten the validity of the tDCS for anomia studies. Several methodological issues have been identified in pre-efficacy studies that pose challenges in determining whether tDCS is a beneficial adjunct to behavioral aphasia therapy. Future studies need to improve the quality of the methods used to investigate the effect of tDCS for anomia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maximum Safety Regenerative Power Tracking for DC Traction Power Systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guifu Du

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Direct current (DC traction power systems are widely used in metro transport systems, with running rails usually being used as return conductors. When traction current flows through the running rails, a potential voltage known as “rail potential” is generated between the rails and ground. Currently, abnormal rises of rail potential exist in many railway lines during the operation of railway systems. Excessively high rail potentials pose a threat to human life and to devices connected to the rails. In this paper, the effect of regenerative power distribution on rail potential is analyzed. Maximum safety regenerative power tracking is proposed for the control of maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption during the operation of DC traction power systems. The dwell time of multiple trains at each station and the trigger voltage of the regenerative energy absorbing device (READ are optimized based on an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO algorithm to manage the distribution of regenerative power. In this way, the maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption of DC traction power systems can be reduced. The operation data of Guangzhou Metro Line 2 are used in the simulations, and the results show that the scheme can reduce the maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption effectively and guarantee the safety in energy saving of DC traction power systems.

High-transport current density up to 30 T in bulk YBa2Cu3O7 and the critical angle effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ekin, J.W.; Salama, K.; Selvamanickam, V.

1991-01-01

Measurements of the dc transport critical current of oriented-grained YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 have been made using high quality Ag contacts and a high-current sample mount. The critical- current density J c at 77 K for mutually perpendicular current and magnetic field B in the a,b plane is 8 kA/cm 2 at 8 T, decreasing gradually to 3.7 kA/cm 2 at 20 T, and remaining over 1 kA/cm 2 out to 30 T. High magnetic field measurements of J c as a function of the angle θ of B with respect to the c axis are also reported. In contrast to earlier results at lower fields ( c vs θ curve with a head-and-shoulders shape, consisting of a sharp peak (''head'') 2 planes, and a wide (30 degree at 9 T, for example) shoulder region on either side of B perpendicular c, where the transport J c remains high and constant. Beyond the shoulder region, however, the transport J c decreases sharply, giving rise to the concept of a critical field angle for application design, defined by the minima in d 2 J c /dθ 2 at the edge of the shoulders

Phthalocyanine doping to improve critical current densities in MgB2 tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Xianping; Ma Yanwei; Wang Dongliang; Gao Zhaoshun; Wang Lei; Qi Yanpeng; Awaji, Satoshi; Watanabe, Kazuo; Mossang, Eric

2009-01-01

Phthalocyanine-doped MgB 2 tapes were prepared by the in situ powder-in-tube method. The relationships between the critical current properties, crystallinity and microstructure were studied as a function of the phthalocyanine doping level. It is found that both H irr and H c2 were improved when MgB 2 samples were doped with phthalocyanine, which are mainly attributed to the effective carbon substitution and enhanced flux pinning strength caused by very fine grain sizes. Furthermore, compared to pure samples, the MgO content remained almost unchanged in all doped tapes, which is very beneficial to having better grain connectivity in MgB 2 . Significantly improved J c was obtained in the phthalocyanine-doped MgB 2 tapes, especially under high magnetic fields.

Radio Frequency Transistors Using Aligned Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes with Current-Gain Cutoff Frequency and Maximum Oscillation Frequency Simultaneously Greater than 70 GHz.

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Yu; Brady, Gerald J; Gui, Hui; Rutherglen, Chris; Arnold, Michael S; Zhou, Chongwu

2016-07-26

In this paper, we report record radio frequency (RF) performance of carbon nanotube transistors based on combined use of a self-aligned T-shape gate structure, and well-aligned, high-semiconducting-purity, high-density polyfluorene-sorted semiconducting carbon nanotubes, which were deposited using dose-controlled, floating evaporative self-assembly method. These transistors show outstanding direct current (DC) performance with on-current density of 350 μA/μm, transconductance as high as 310 μS/μm, and superior current saturation with normalized output resistance greater than 100 kΩ·μm. These transistors create a record as carbon nanotube RF transistors that demonstrate both the current-gain cutoff frequency (ft) and the maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) greater than 70 GHz. Furthermore, these transistors exhibit good linearity performance with 1 dB gain compression point (P1dB) of 14 dBm and input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of 22 dBm. Our study advances state-of-the-art of carbon nanotube RF electronics, which have the potential to be made flexible and may find broad applications for signal amplification, wireless communication, and wearable/flexible electronics.

c-Axis correlated extended defects and critical current in YBa2Cu3Ox films grown on Au and Ag-nano dot decorated substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mikheenko, P.; Sarkar, A.; Dang, V.-S.; Tanner, J.L.; Abell, J.S.; Crisan, A.

2009-01-01

We report measurements of critical current in YBa 2 Cu 3 O x films deposited on SrTiO 3 substrates decorated with silver and gold nanodots. An increase in critical current in these films, in comparison with the films deposited on non-decorated substrates, has been achieved. We argue that this increase comes from the c-axis correlated extended defects formed in the films and originated from the nanodots. Additionally to creating extended defects, the nanodots pin them and prevent their exit from the sample during the film growth, thus keeping a high density of defects and providing a lower rate of decrease of the critical current with the thickness of the films. The best pinning is achieved in the samples with silver nanodots by optimising their deposition temperature. The nanodots grown at a temperature of a few hundred deg. C have a small diameter of a few nanometres and a high surface density of 10 11 -10 12 particles/cm 2 . We give evidence of c-axis correlated extended defects in YBa 2 Cu 3 O x films by planar and cross-sectional atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and angle-dependent transport measurements of critical current.

Strain induced irreversible critical current degradation in highly dense Bi-2212 round wire

CERN Document Server

Bjoerstad, R; Rikel, M.O.; Ballarino, A; Bottura, L; Jiang, J; Matras, M; Sugano, M; Hudspeth, J; Di Michiel, M

2015-01-01

The strain induced critical current degradation of overpressure processed straight Bi 2212/Ag wires has been studied at 77 K in self-field. For the first time superconducting properties, lattice distortions, composite wire stress and strain have been measured simultaneously in a high energy synchrotron beamline. A permanent Ic degradation of 5% occurs when the wire strain exceeds 0.60%. At a wire strain of about 0.65% a drastic n value and Ic reduction occur, and the composite stress and the Bi-2212 lattice parameter reach a plateau, indicating Bi-2212 filament fracturing. The XRD measurements show that Bi-2212 exhibits linear elastic behaviour up to the irreversible strain limit.

MAXIMUM PRINCIPLE FOR SUBSONIC FLOW WITH VARIABLE ENTROPY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Sizykh Grigory

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Maximum principle for subsonic flow is fair for stationary irrotational subsonic gas flows. According to this prin- ciple, if the value of the velocity is not constant everywhere, then its maximum is achieved on the boundary and only on the boundary of the considered domain. This property is used when designing form of an aircraft with a maximum critical val- ue of the Mach number: it is believed that if the local Mach number is less than unit in the incoming flow and on the body surface, then the Mach number is less then unit in all points of flow. The known proof of maximum principle for subsonic flow is based on the assumption that in the whole considered area of the flow the pressure is a function of density. For the ideal and perfect gas (the role of diffusion is negligible, and the Mendeleev-Clapeyron law is fulfilled, the pressure is a function of density if entropy is constant in the entire considered area of the flow. Shows an example of a stationary sub- sonic irrotational flow, in which the entropy has different values on different stream lines, and the pressure is not a function of density. The application of the maximum principle for subsonic flow with respect to such a flow would be unreasonable. This example shows the relevance of the question about the place of the points of maximum value of the velocity, if the entropy is not a constant. To clarify the regularities of the location of these points, was performed the analysis of the com- plete Euler equations (without any simplifying assumptions in 3-D case. The new proof of the maximum principle for sub- sonic flow was proposed. This proof does not rely on the assumption that the pressure is a function of density. Thus, it is shown that the maximum principle for subsonic flow is true for stationary subsonic irrotational flows of ideal perfect gas with variable entropy.

maximum neutron flux at thermal nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strugar, P.

1968-10-01

Since actual research reactors are technically complicated and expensive facilities it is important to achieve savings by appropriate reactor lattice configurations. There is a number of papers, and practical examples of reactors with central reflector, dealing with spatial distribution of fuel elements which would result in higher neutron flux. Common disadvantage of all the solutions is that the choice of best solution is done starting from the anticipated spatial distributions of fuel elements. The weakness of these approaches is lack of defined optimization criteria. Direct approach is defined as follows: determine the spatial distribution of fuel concentration starting from the condition of maximum neutron flux by fulfilling the thermal constraints. Thus the problem of determining the maximum neutron flux is solving a variational problem which is beyond the possibilities of classical variational calculation. This variational problem has been successfully solved by applying the maximum principle of Pontrjagin. Optimum distribution of fuel concentration was obtained in explicit analytical form. Thus, spatial distribution of the neutron flux and critical dimensions of quite complex reactor system are calculated in a relatively simple way. In addition to the fact that the results are innovative this approach is interesting because of the optimization procedure itself [sr

AC losses in a type II superconductor strip with inhomogeneous critical current distribution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsukamoto, Osami

2005-01-01

Analytical formulae derived by Brandt and Indenbom (1993 Phys. Rev. B 48 12893-906) and Norris (1970 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 3 489-507) are often used to calculate the magnetization and AC transport current losses in HTS strip conductors, respectively. In these formulae, homogeneous distribution of critical sheet current density σ c in the strip is assumed. However, it is considered that σ c distributions are inhomogeneous in actual HTS strips and that the inhomogeneous σ c distributions cause deviations of the measured AC loss data of actual HTS strips from those formulae. A semi-analytical method to calculate AC transport current and magnetization losses is derived for a type II superconductor strip with inhomogeneous distribution of σ c in the direction of the strip width. The method is derived modifying the analysis of Brandt et al. The validity of the semi-analytical method is shown by comparing the results calculated by this method with those calculated by the Norris and Brandt formulae and by a different method of our previous work and also with experimental data. Moreover, it is shown that the deviation of the measured data from the Norris and Brandt models can be estimated by assuming proper σ c distributions

Can critical inquiry differ from criticism? A dialogue with current occupational science and occupational therapy schools of inquiry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jessie Wilson

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Introduction: Critical inquiry has been adopted by various academic disciplines. However, there is a lack of consistency and transparency in the way this complex theoretical and methodological position is applied in research. For novice researchers that ambiguity can lead to blurring the conceptual distinction between critical research and the act of criticizing. Objective: The purpose of this essay is to reflect on what it means to keep a critical perspective for novice researchers. Method: The concepts are explored through a personal narrative that allows authors to examine the details of their trajectory to embrace a critical perspective, which has the power to lead to change, both personal and social. Results: We explore the methodological foundations of the critical research and observe how the emotion is taken over or suppressed in the investigation process. Conclusion: We contextualize key concepts of critical investigation, examining its recent application both in occupational science and in occupational therapy.

Neutron detection using a current biased kinetic inductance detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shishido, Hiroaki; Miyajima, Shigeyuki; Ishida, Takekazu; Narukami, Yoshito; Oikawa, Kenichi; Harada, Masahide; Oku, Takayuki; Arai, Masatoshi; Hidaka, Mutsuo; Fujimaki, Akira

2015-01-01

We demonstrate neutron detection using a solid state superconducting current biased kinetic inductance detector (CB-KID), which consists of a superconducting Nb meander line of 1 μm width and 40 nm thickness. 10 B-enriched neutron absorber layer of 150 nm thickness is placed on top of the CB-KID. Our neutron detectors are able to operate in a wide superconducting region in the bias current–temperature diagram. This is in sharp contrast with our preceding current-biased transition edge detector, which can operate only in a narrow range just below the superconducting critical temperature. The full width at half maximum of the signals remains of the order of a few tens of ns, which confirms the high speed operation of our detectors

Transport measurements in superconductors: critical current of granular high TC ceramic superconductor samples; Medidas de transporte em supercondutores: corrente critica de supercondutores granulares de alta temperatura critica

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passos, W.A.C., E-mail: wagner.passos@univasf.edu.br [Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco (IPCM/UNIVASF), Juazeiro do Norte, BA (Brazil). Instituto de Pesquisas em Ciencia dos Materiais; Silva, E.B. [Companhia Energetica do Sao Francisco (CHESF), Recife, PE (Brazil)

2016-07-01

This work presents a method to obtain critical current of granular superconductors. We have carried out transport measurements (ρxT curves and VxI curves) in a YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-δ} sample to determine critical current density of it. Some specimens reveal a 'semiconductor-like' behavior (electrical resistivity decreases with increasing temperatures above critical temperature T{sub c} of material) competing with superconductor behavior. Due to high granular fraction of the sample, these competition is clearly noted in ρxT curves. Measurements carried out from 0 to 8500 Oe of applied field show the same behavior, and the critical current density of the samples is shown. (author)

Beat the Deviations in Estimating Maximum Power of Thermoelectric Modules

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gao, Junling; Chen, Min

2013-01-01

Under a certain temperature difference, the maximum power of a thermoelectric module can be estimated by the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current. In practical measurement, there exist two switch modes, either from open to short or from short to open, but the two modes can give...... different estimations on the maximum power. Using TEG-127-2.8-3.5-250 and TEG-127-1.4-1.6-250 as two examples, the difference is about 10%, leading to some deviations with the temperature change. This paper analyzes such differences by means of a nonlinear numerical model of thermoelectricity, and finds out...... that the main cause is the influence of various currents on the produced electromotive potential. A simple and effective calibration method is proposed to minimize the deviations in specifying the maximum power. Experimental results validate the method with improved estimation accuracy....

Choice of sample size for high transport critical current density in a granular superconductor: percolation versus self-field effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mulet, R.; Diaz, O.; Altshuler, E.

1997-01-01

The percolative character of the current paths and the self-field effects were considered to estimate optimal sample dimensions for the transport current of a granular superconductor by means of a Monte Carlo algorithm and critical-state model calculations. We showed that, under certain conditions, self-field effects are negligible and the J c dependence on sample dimensions is determined by the percolative character of the current. Optimal dimensions are demonstrated to be a function of the fraction of superconducting phase in the sample. (author)

Critical state in the Y-Ba-Cu-O ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Artemov, A.N.; Grishin, A.M.; Korenivskii, V.N.; Ulyanov, A.N.; Khokhlov, V.A.

1990-01-01

This paper reports on the temperature and field dependences of the Y-Ba-Cu-O ceramics susceptibility studied both experimentally and theoretically. These dependence have been used to reconstruct the temperature dependence of the critical current (j c (T) = j c (O)(1 - T/T c1 ) 3/2 , J c (O) = 340 A/cm 2 , T c1 = 94.6 K) and the distribution of the granules with respect to the superconducting transition temperature (with the maximum at T c2 = 95.3 K and ΔT = 1.1 K). Within the critical state concept diamagnetic response of the granular superconductors at fundamental and multiple frequencies has been calculated. The calculation results are in good agreement with the experimentally obtained susceptibility dependences and explain the different dependences of the diamagnetic response on the magnitude of the d.c. field and the amplitude of a.c. field

Current-limiting mechanisms in YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin layers and quasi-multilayers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haenisch, J.

2004-01-01

In this work, electrical transport properties and the maximum current carrying capability of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 -[δ] thin films and so called quasi-multilayers are investigated. These samples are prepared with pulsed laser deposition on single-crystalline substrates (SrTiO 3 ) as well as on biaxially textured Ni tapes. The critical current density of coated conductors is limited by small-angle grain boundaries in low magnetic fields, but by the intra-grain pinning properties in higher magnetic fields. Accordingly, these investigations are divided into two parts: In the first part, the limitation of the critical current density by grain-boundaries and grain boundary networks is investigated with the main focus on the influence of geometrical factors such as the conductor width or the grain aspect ratio. In the second part, a possible enhancement of the critical current density due to different doping types (atomar doping using Zn and precipitate doping using BaMO 3 where M is a transition metal) will be discussed. Here, not only the irreversibility field but also the pinning behaviour in very low magnetic fields is of interest to better understand the pinning mechanism of thin films. (Orig.)

The low-temperature, high-magnetic-field critical current characteristics of Zr-added (Gd, Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selvamanickam, V; Yao, Y; Chen, Y; Shi, T; Liu, Y; Khatri, ND; Liu, J; Lei, C; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G

2012-10-26

Critical current performances of state-of-the-art Zr-added (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes have been investigated over a temperature range of 20-77 K, in magnetic fields up to 9 T and over a wide angular range of magnetic field orientations. The peak in critical current that is commonly observed in the field orientation perpendicular to the tape in BaZrO3 (BZO) containing superconducting tapes is found to vanish at 30 K in magnetic fields at 1-9 T. While the critical current of 15% Zr-added tapes was about 40% lower than that of 7.5% Zr-added tapes at 77 K, the pinning force values of the former were found to be 18-23% higher than those of the latter in the temperature range of 20-40 K and in magnetic fields of 3-5 T. The results from this study emphasize the importance of optimization of coated conductor fabrication processes for optimum performance not just in low magnetic fields at 77 K but also at the operating conditions of low temperatures and high magnetic fields that are of interest, especially for rotating superconducting machinery applications.

The low-temperature, high-magnetic-field critical current characteristics of Zr-added (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selvamanickam, V; Yao, Y; Shi, T; Liu, Y; Khatri, N D; Liu, J; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G; Chen, Y; Lei, C

2012-01-01

Critical current performances of state-of-the-art Zr-added (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes have been investigated over a temperature range of 20–77 K, in magnetic fields up to 9 T and over a wide angular range of magnetic field orientations. The peak in critical current that is commonly observed in the field orientation perpendicular to the tape in BaZrO 3 (BZO) containing superconducting tapes is found to vanish at 30 K in magnetic fields at 1–9 T. While the critical current of 15% Zr-added tapes was about 40% lower than that of 7.5% Zr-added tapes at 77 K, the pinning force values of the former were found to be 18–23% higher than those of the latter in the temperature range of 20–40 K and in magnetic fields of 3–5 T. The results from this study emphasize the importance of optimization of coated conductor fabrication processes for optimum performance not just in low magnetic fields at 77 K but also at the operating conditions of low temperatures and high magnetic fields that are of interest, especially for rotating superconducting machinery applications. (paper)

Critical threshold size for overwintering sandeels (Ammodytes marinus)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Deurs, Mikael van; Hartvig, Martin; Steffensen, John Fleng

2011-01-01

scales with body size and increases with temperature, and the two factors together determine a critical threshold size for passive overwintering below which the organism is unlikely to survive without feeding. This is because the energetic cost of metabolism exceeds maximum energy reserves...... independent long-term overwintering experiments. Maximum attainable energy reserves were estimated from published data on A. marinus in the North Sea. The critical threshold size in terms of length (Lth) for A. marinus in the North Sea was estimated to be 9.5 cm. We then investigated two general predictions...

Rate maximum calculation of Dpa in CNA-II pressure vessel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mascitti, J. A

2012-01-01

The maximum dpa rate was calculated for the reactor in the following state: fresh fuel, no Xenon, a Boron concentration of 15.3 ppm, critical state, its control rods in the criticality position, hot, at full power (2160 MW). It was determined that the maximum dpa rate under such conditions is 3.54(2)x10 12 s -1 and it is located in the positions corresponding to θ=210 o in the azimuthal direction, and z=20 cm and -60 cm respectively in the axial direction, considering the calculation mesh centered at half height of the fuel element (FE) active length. The dpa rate spectrum was determined as well as the contribution to it for 4 energy groups: a thermal group, two epithermal groups and a fast one. The maximum dpa rate considering the photo-neutrons production from (γ, n) reaction in the heavy water of coolant and moderator was 3.93(4)x10 12 s -1 that is 11% greater than the obtained without photo-neutrons. This verified significant difference between both cases, suggest that photo-neutrons in large heavy water reactors such as CNA-II should not be ignored. The maximum DPA rate in the first mm of the reactor pressure vessel was calculated too and it was obtained a value of 4.22(6)x10 12 s -1 . It should be added that the calculation was carried out with the reactor complete accurate model, with no approximations in spatial or energy variables. Each value has, between parentheses, a percentage relative error representing the statistical uncertainty due to the probabilistic Monte Carlo method used to estimate it. More representative values may be obtained with this method if equilibrium burn-up distribution is used (author)

Effect of 520 MeV Kr{sup 20+} ion irradiation on the critical current density of Bi-2212 single crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Terai, Takayuki; Ito, Yasuyuki [Tokyo Univ. (Japan). Faculty of Engineering; Kishio, Kouji

1996-10-01

Change in magnetic properties of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8+y} (Bi-2212) single crystals due to Kr{sup 20+} ion irradiation is reported, focused on critical current density and irreversibility magnetic field. The Bi-2212 single crystal specimens (3x3x0.3 mm{sup 3}) were prepared by the floating zone method. Each specimen was irradiated with 520 MeV Kr{sup 20+} ions of 10{sup 10}-10{sup 11} cm{sup -2} in the fluence. Magnetic hysteresis was measured at 4.2K-60K with a vibrating sample magnetometer before and after irradiation. Very large enhancement was observed in critical current density and irreversibility magnetic field above 20K. (author)

Superallowed 0+→0+ nuclear β decays: A critical survey with tests of the conserved vector current hypothesis and the standard model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hardy, J.C.; Towner, I.S.

2005-01-01

A complete and critical survey is presented of all half-life, decay-energy, and branching-ratio measurements related to 20 superallowed 0 + →0 + decays; no measurements are ignored, although some are rejected for cause and others updated. A new calculation of the statistical rate function f is described and experimental ft values determined. The associated theoretical corrections needed to convert these results into 'corrected' Ft values are discussed, and careful attention is paid to the origin and magnitude of their uncertainties. As an exacting confirmation of the conserved vector current hypothesis, the corrected Ft values are seen to be constant to three parts in 10 4 . These data are also used to set a new limit on any possible scalar interaction (assuming maximum parity violation) of C S /C V =-(0.00005±0.00130). The average Ft value obtained from the survey, when combined with the muon lifetime, yields the up-down quark-mixing element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix, V ud =0.9738±0.0004, and the unitarity test on the top row of the matrix becomes vertical bar V ud vertical bar 2 + vertical bar V us vertical bar 2 + vertical bar V ub vertical bar 2 =0.9966±0.0014 using the Particle Data Group's currently recommended values for V us and V ub . If V us comes instead from two recent results on K e3 decay, the unitarity sum becomes 0.9996(11). Either result can be expressed in terms of the possible existence of right-hand currents. Finally, we discuss the priorities for future theoretical and experimental work with the goal of making the CKM unitarity test more definitive

Procalcitonin increase in early identification of critically ill patients at high risk of mortality

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Jens Ulrik; Heslet, Lars; Jensen, Tom Hartvig

2006-01-01

To investigate day-by-day changes in procalcitonin and maximum obtained levels as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients.......To investigate day-by-day changes in procalcitonin and maximum obtained levels as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients....

Current trials to reduce surgical intervention in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: Critical review.

Science.gov (United States)

Toss, M; Miligy, I; Thompson, A M; Khout, H; Green, A R; Ellis, I O; Rakha, E A

2017-10-01

The high proportion of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) presented in mammographic screening and the relatively low risk of progression to invasive disease have raised questions related to overtreatment. Following a review of current DCIS management protocols a more conservative approach has been suggested. Clinical trials have been introduced to evaluate the option of avoiding surgical intervention in a proportion of patients with DCIS defined as "low-risk" using certain clinicopathological criteria. These trials can potentially provide evidence-based models of active surveillance (with or without endocrine therapy) as a future management approach. Despite the undisputable fact of our need to address the obvious overtreatment of screen-detected DCIS, some important questions need to be considered regarding these trials including the eligibility criteria and definition of risk, the proportion of patient eligible for inclusion, and the length of time required for proper analysis of the trials' outcome in view of the long-term natural history of DCIS progression particularly the low-risk group. These factors can potentially affect the practicality and future impact of such trials. This review provides critical analysis of current DCIS management trials and highlights critical issues related to their practicality and the expected outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic properties and critical current density of bulk MgB2 polycrystalline with Bi-2212 addition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shen, T M; Li, G; Zhu, X T; Cheng, C H; Zhao, Y

2005-01-01

Bulk samples of MgB 2 were prepared with 0, 3, 5, and 10 wt% Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 (Bi-2212) particles, added using a simple solid-state reaction route in order to investigate the effect of inclusions of a material with higher T c than the superconducting matrix. The density, diamagnetic signal, and critical current density, J c , of the samples change significantly with the doping level. It is found that J c is significantly enhanced by the Bi-2212 addition. Microstructural analysis indicates that a small amount of Bi-2212 is decomposed into Cu 2 O and other impurity phases while a significant amount of unreacted Bi-2212 particles remains in MgB 2 matrix, and these act as effective pinning centres for vortices. The enhanced pinning force is mainly attributable to these highly dispersed inclusions inserted in the MgB 2 grains. Despite the effectiveness of the high-T c inclusions in increasing superconducting critical currents in our experiment, our results seem to demonstrate the superiority of attractive centres over repulsive ones. A pinning mechanism is proposed to account for the contribution of this type of pinning centre in MgB 2 superconductors. (rapid communication)

Current status and perceived needs of information technology in Critical Access Hospitals: a survey study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

George Demiris

2007-01-01

Full Text Available The US Congress established the designation of Critical Access Hospitals in 1997, recognising rural hospitals as vital links to health for rural and underserved populations. The intent of the reimbursement system is to improve financial performance, thereby reducing hospital closures. Informatics applications are thought to be tools that can enable the sustainability of such facilities. The aim of this study is to identify the current use of information and communication technology in Critical Access Hospitals, and to assess their readiness and receptiveness for the use of new software and hardware applications and their perceived information technology (IT needs. A survey was mailed to the administrators of all Critical Access Hospitals in one US state (Missouri and a reminder was mailed a few weeks later. Twenty-seven out of 33 surveys were filled out and returned (response rate 82%. While most respondents (66.7% stated that their employees have been somewhat comfortable in using new technology, almost 15% stated that their employees have been somewhat uncomfortable. Similarly, almost 12% of the respondents stated that they themselves felt somewhat uncomfortable introducing new technology. While all facilities have computers, only half of them have a specific IT plan. Findings indicate that Critical Access Hospitals are often struggling with lack of resources and specific applications that address their needs. However, it is widely recognised that IT plays an essential role in the sustainability of their organisations. The study demonstrates that IT applications have to be customised to address the needs and infrastructure of the rural settings in order to be accepted and properly utilised.

Microgrids for Service Restoration to Critical Load in a Resilient Distribution System

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Yin; Liu, Chen-Ching; Schneider, Kevin P.; Tuffner, Francis K.; Ton, Dan T.

2018-01-01

icrogrids can act as emergency sources to serve critical loads when utility power is unavailable. This paper proposes a resiliency-based methodology that uses microgrids to restore critical loads on distribution feeders after a major disaster. Due to limited capacity of distributed generators (DGs) within microgrids, dynamic performance of the DGs during the restoration process becomes essential. In this paper, the stability of microgrids, limits on frequency deviation, and limits on transient voltage and current of DGs are incorporated as constraints of the critical load restoration problem. The limits on the amount of generation resources within microgrids are also considered. By introducing the concepts of restoration tree and load group, restoration of critical loads is transformed into a maximum coverage problem, which is a linear integer program (LIP). The restoration paths and actions are determined for critical loads by solving the LIP. A 4-feeder, 1069-bus unbalanced test system with four microgrids is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The method is applied to the distribution system in Pullman, WA, resulting in a strategy that uses generators on the Washington State University campus to restore service to the Hospital and City Hall in Pullman.

Critical excitation method for calculating earthquake effects on nuclear plant structures: an assessment study. Technical report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bedrosian, B.; Barbela, M.; Drenick, R.F.; Tsirk, A.

1980-10-01

The critical excitation method provides a new, alternative approach to methods presently used for seismic analysis of nuclear power plant structures. The critical excitation method offers the advantages that: (1) it side-steps the assumptions regarding the probability distribution of ground motions, and (2) it does not require an artificial, and to some extent arbitrarily generated, time history of ground motion, both features to which structural integrity analyses are sensitive. Potential utility of the critical excitation method is studied from the user's viewpoint. The method is reviewed and compared with the response spectrum method used in current practice, utilizing the reactor buildings of a PWR and a BWR plant in case studies. Two types of constraints on critical excitation were considered in the study. In one case, only an intensity limit was used. In the other case, imposition of an intensity limit together with limits on the maximum acceleration and/or velocity for the critical excitation is considered

Neutron detection using a current biased kinetic inductance detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shishido, Hiroaki, E-mail: shishido@pe.osakafu-u.ac.jp; Miyajima, Shigeyuki; Ishida, Takekazu [Department of Physics and Electronics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531 (Japan); Institute for Nanofabrication Research, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531 (Japan); Narukami, Yoshito [Department of Physics and Electronics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531 (Japan); Oikawa, Kenichi; Harada, Masahide; Oku, Takayuki; Arai, Masatoshi [Materials and Life Science Division, J-PARC Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195 (Japan); Hidaka, Mutsuo [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); Fujimaki, Akira [Department of Quantum Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603 (Japan)

2015-12-07

We demonstrate neutron detection using a solid state superconducting current biased kinetic inductance detector (CB-KID), which consists of a superconducting Nb meander line of 1 μm width and 40 nm thickness. {sup 10}B-enriched neutron absorber layer of 150 nm thickness is placed on top of the CB-KID. Our neutron detectors are able to operate in a wide superconducting region in the bias current–temperature diagram. This is in sharp contrast with our preceding current-biased transition edge detector, which can operate only in a narrow range just below the superconducting critical temperature. The full width at half maximum of the signals remains of the order of a few tens of ns, which confirms the high speed operation of our detectors.

Mass mortality of the vermetid gastropod Ceraesignum maximum

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, A. L.; Frazer, T. K.; Shima, J. S.; Osenberg, C. W.

2016-09-01

Ceraesignum maximum (G.B. Sowerby I, 1825), formerly Dendropoma maximum, was subject to a sudden, massive die-off in the Society Islands, French Polynesia, in 2015. On Mo'orea, where we have detailed documentation of the die-off, these gastropods were previously found in densities up to 165 m-2. In July 2015, we surveyed shallow back reefs of Mo'orea before, during and after the die-off, documenting their swift decline. All censused populations incurred 100% mortality. Additional surveys and observations from Mo'orea, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Huahine (but not Taha'a) suggested a similar, and approximately simultaneous, die-off. The cause(s) of this cataclysmic mass mortality are currently unknown. Given the previously documented negative effects of C. maximum on corals, we expect the die-off will have cascading effects on the reef community.

High critical currents in heavily doped (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconductor tapes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selvamanickam, V; Gharahcheshmeh, MH; Xu, A; Galstyan, E; Delgado, L; Cantoni, C

2015-01-19

REBa2Cu3Ox ((REBCO), RE = rare earth) superconductor tapes with moderate levels of dopants have been optimized for high critical current density in low magnetic fields at 77 K, but they do not exhibit exemplary performance in conditions of interest for practical applications, i.e., temperatures less than 50K and fields of 2-30 T. Heavy doping of REBCO tapes has been avoided by researchers thus far due to deterioration in properties. Here, we report achievement of critical current densities (J(c)) above 20 MA/cm(2) at 30 K, 3 T in heavily doped (25 mol.% Zr-added) (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconductor tapes, which is more than three times higher than the J(c) typically obtained in moderately doped tapes. Pinning force levels above 1000 GN/m(3) have also been attained at 20 K. A composition map of lift factor in J(c) (ratio of J(c) at 30 K, 3 T to the J(c) at 77 K, 0 T) has been developed which reveals the optimum film composition to obtain lift factors above six, which is thrice the typical value. A highly c-axis aligned BaZrO3 (BZO) nanocolumn defect density of nearly 7 x 10(11) cm(-2) as well as 2-3 nm sized particles rich in Cu and Zr have been found in the high J(c) films. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Critical Josephson current in a model Pb/YBa2Cu3O7-δ junction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Atkinson, W.A.; Carbotte, J.P.

1995-01-01

We consider a simple model for a c-axis Pb/YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ Josephson junction. The observation of a nonzero current in such a junction by Sun et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 2267 (1994)] has been taken as evidence against d-wave superconductivity in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ . We suggest, however, that the pairing interaction in the CuO 2 planes may well be d wave but that the CuO chains destroy the tetragonal symmetry of the system. We examine two ways in which this happens. In a simple model of an incoherent junction, the chains distort the superconducting condensate away from d x 2 -y 2 symmetry. In a specular junction the chains destroy the tetragonal symmetry of the tunneling matrix element. In either case, the loss of tetragonal symmetry results in a finite Josephson current. Our calculated values of the critical current for specular junctions are in good agreement with the results of Sun and co-workers

Non-equilibrium properties of Josephson critical current in Nb-based three terminal superconducting tunnel devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ammendola, G.; Parlato, L.; Peluso, G.; Pepe, G.

1998-01-01

Tunnel quasi-particle injection into a superconducting film provides useful information on the non-equilibrium state inside the perturbed superconductor as well as on the potential application to electronic devices. Three terminal injector-detector superconducting devices have a long history in non-equilibrium superconductivity. In the recent past non-equilibrium phenomena have attracted again considerable attention because of many superconducting based detectors involve processes substantially non-equilibrium in nature. The possibility of using a stacked double tunnel junction to study the influence of non-equilibrium superconductivity on the Josephson critical current is now considered. An experimental study of the effect of quasi-particle injection on the Josephson current both in steady-state and pulsed experiments down to T=1.2 K is presented using 3 terminal Nb-based stacked double tunnel devices. The feasibility of a new class of particle detectors based on the direct measurement of the change in the Josephson current following the absorption of a X-ray quantum is also discussed in terms of non-equilibrium theories. (orig.)

Metatheoretical critics on current trends in Quantum Mechanics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos C. Aranda

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Is our purpose in this article to review several approaches to modern problems in quantum mechanics from a critical point of view using the approximation of the traditional mathematical thinking. Nevertheless we point out several natural questions that arise in abstract mathematical reasoning.

Criticality issues with highly enriched fuels in a repository environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taylor, L.L.; Sanchez, L.C.; Rath, J.S.

1998-03-01

This paper presents preliminary analysis of a volcanic tuff repository containing a combination of low enrichment commercial spent nuclear fuels (SNF) and DOE-owned SNF packages. These SNFs were analyzed with respect to their criticality risks. Disposal of SNF packages containing significant fissile mass within a geologic repository must comply with current regulations relative to criticality safety during transportation and handling within operational facilities. However, once the repository is closed, the double contingency credits for criticality safety are subject to unremediable degradation, (e.g., water intrusion, continued presence of neutron absorbers in proximity to fissile material, and fissile material reconfiguration). The work presented in this paper focused on two attributes of criticality in a volcanic tuff repository for near-field and far-field scenarios: (1) scenario conditions necessary to have a criticality, and (2) consequences of a nuclear excursion that are components of risk. All criticality consequences are dependent upon eventual water intrusion into the repository and subsequent breach of the disposal package. Key criticality parameters necessary for a critical assembly are: (1) adequate thermal fissile mass, (2) adequate concentration of fissile material, (3) separation of neutron poison from fissile materials, and (4) sufficient neutron moderation (expressed in units of moderator to fissile atom ratios). Key results from this study indicated that the total energies released during a single excursion are minimal (comparable to those released in previous solution accidents), and the maximum frequency of occurrence is bounded by the saturation and temperature recycle times, thus resulting in small criticality risks

Development of inherent technologies for advanced PWR core - A study on the current status and the construction feasibility of critical facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Won Sik; Yang, Hyun Seok [Chosun University, Kwangju (Korea); Kim, Chang Hyo; Shim, Hyung Jin [Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea)

1999-03-01

The objective of this study is to examine the appropriateness of constructing critical facilities in our country and to decide a course of constructing them if necessary by surveying the status and utilization of foreign facilities and by investigating the demand for domestic facilities. We investigated the status and the utilization of foreign critical facilities through literature survey and personal visitation. In our judgement, critical facilities are necessary for developing the advanced reactors and fuels which are being studied as parts of the Nuclear R and D Program by MOST. Considering the construction cost and the current state of domestic economy, however, it is unjustifiable to build three different types of critical facilities (the light water, the heavy water, and the fast critical facility). It appears to be reasonable to build a light water critical, considering the construction cost, degree of utilization, and other constraints. (author). 89 refs., 134 figs., 64 tabs.

Correlation between in-field critical currents in Zr-added (Gd, Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes at 30 and 77 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selvamanickam, V; Xu, A; Liu, Y; Khatri, N D; Galstyan, E; Majkic, G; Lei, C; Chen, Y

2014-01-01

Critical current (I c ) values of 1384 A/12 mm, corresponding to a critical current density of 12.47 MA cm −2 and a pinning force of 374 GN m −3 , have been achieved at 30 K, 3 T in the orientation of field parallel to the c axis (B ∥ c) in (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes with 15 mol% Zr addition made by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). These tapes show pinning force levels as high as 453 GN m −3 at 30 K. An analysis of the properties of 24–28 (Gd, Y)BaCuO tapes with 15 mol% Zr addition showed a lack of correlation between their critical currents at 30 K, 3 T (B ∥ c) and I c values both at 77 K, zero field and at 77 K, 1 T (B ∥ c). However, a strong correlation was found between the critical currents at 30 K, 3 T and at 77 K, 3 T (B ∥ c). It has also been discovered that the minimum critical current (I c, min ) value at 77 K, 3 T has no influence on the I c, min value at 30 K, 3 T, and it in turn depends on the ratio of the I c values in the orientations of field parallel and perpendicular to the c axis at 77 K, 3 T. (paper)

Influence of vanadium substitution on structure and critical currents of YBa2Cu3O7-δ

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jadhav, K.M.; Raibagkar, R.L.

1995-01-01

V-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ samples prepared under identical conditions have been investigated by magnetization measurements as a function of temperature and field. The critical current density, J c has been deduced from the hysteresis data, using the appropriate field window within which a linear relationship between ΔM(H) and J c is valid. (author). 7 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab

30 CFR 77.902-1 - Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... voltage. 77.902-1 Section 77.902-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-1 Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage. The maximum voltage used for ground check circuits under § 77.902...

Effect of the microscopic correlated-pinning landscape on the macroscopic critical current density in YBCO films

Science.gov (United States)

Ghigo, G.; Chiodoni, A.; Gerbaldo, R.; Gozzelino, L.; Laviano, F.; Mezzetti, E.; Minetti, B.; Camerlingo, C.

This paper deals with the mechanisms controlling the critical current density vs. field behavior in YBCO films. We base our analysis on a suitable model concerning the existence of a network of intergrain Josephson junctions whose length is modulated by defects. Irradiation with 0.25 GeV Au ions provide a useful tool to check the texture of the sample, in particular to give a gauge length reference to separate “weak” links and high- J c links.

Development of Nb3Sn cabled conductor by external diffusion process and the effect of strain on the critical current

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pasztor, G.; Ekin, J.W.

1984-01-01

The planned extension of the High Field Test Facility SULTAN at SIN to provide 12 T operation in a 60 cm bore has led to an increased involvements on the part of SIN in the development of reliable A15 multifilamentary conductors. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the development of stranded Nb 3 Sn conductors using the external diffusion technique. Although not fully optimized, the primary cables have high overall critical current densities. Problems associated with the diffusion of the tin into the copper matrix, such as tin coalescence and development of Kirkendall porosity were successfully solved using small diameter wires and by appropriate diffusion and reaction heat treatment conditions. The elastic strain sensitivity of the critical current of a previously developed cable was comparable to that of bronze processed monolithic Nb 3 Sn, while the irreversible strain limit of 1.2% was significantly higher, On the other hand a longer current transfer length (about 4 times that of bronze processed monolithic conductors) was found

Maximum heat flux in boiling in a large volume

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bergmans, Dzh.

1976-01-01

Relationships are derived for the maximum heat flux qsub(max) without basing on the assumptions of both the critical vapor velocity corresponding to the zero growth rate, and planar interface. The Helmholz nonstability analysis of vapor column has been made to this end. The results of this examination have been used to find maximum heat flux for spherical, cylindric and flat plate heaters. The conventional hydrodynamic theory was found to be incapable of producing a satisfactory explanation of qsub(max) for small heaters. The occurrence of qsub(max) in the present case can be explained by inadequate removal of vapor output from the heater (the force of gravity for cylindrical heaters and surface tension for the spherical ones). In case of flat plate heater the qsub(max) value can be explained with the help of the hydrodynamic theory

Scapulothoracic bursitis and snapping scapula syndrome: a critical review of current evidence.

Science.gov (United States)

Warth, Ryan J; Spiegl, Ulrich J; Millett, Peter J

2015-01-01

Symptomatic scapulothoracic disorders, such as painful scapular crepitus and/or bursitis, are uncommon; however, they can produce significant pain and disability in many patients. To review the current knowledge pertaining to snapping scapula syndrome and to identify areas of further research that may be helpful to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Systematic review. We performed a preliminary search of the PubMed and Embase databases using the search terms "snapping scapula," "scapulothoracic bursitis," "partial scapulectomy," and "superomedial angle resection" in September 2013. All nonreview articles related to the topic of snapping scapula syndrome were included. The search identified a total of 167 unique articles, 81 of which were relevant to the topic of snapping scapula syndrome. There were 36 case series of fewer than 10 patients, 16 technique papers, 11 imaging studies, 9 anatomic studies, and 9 level IV outcomes studies. The level of evidence obtained from this literature search was inadequate to perform a formal systematic review or meta-analysis. Therefore, a critical review of current evidence is presented. Snapping scapula syndrome, a likely underdiagnosed condition, can produce significant shoulder dysfunction in many patients. Because the precise origin is typically unknown, specific treatments that are effective for some patients may not be effective for others. Nevertheless, bursectomy with or without partial scapulectomy is currently the most effective primary method of treatment in patients who fail nonoperative therapy. However, many patients experience continued shoulder disability even after surgical intervention. Future studies should focus on identifying the modifiable factors associated with poor outcomes after operative and nonoperative management for snapping scapula syndrome in an effort to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. © 2014 The Author(s).

[Critical evaluation of current diagnostic classification systems in psychiatry: the case of DSM-5].

Science.gov (United States)

Luciano, Mario; Sampogna, Gaia; Del Vecchio, Valeria; De Rosa, Corrado; Albert, Umberto; Carrà, Giuseppe; Dell'Osso, Bernardo; Lorenzo, Giorgio Di; Ferrari, Silvia; Martinotti, Giovanni; Nanni, Maria Giulia; Pinna, Federica; Pompili, Maurizio; Volpe, Umberto; Catapano, Francesco; Fiorillo, Andrea

2016-01-01

Since its first edition, the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental disorders (DSM) has had a great impact on the scientific community and the public opinion as well. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the fifth edition of the manual and - as for the previous versions - several criticisms raised. In particular, the persistence of the categorical approach to mental disorders represents one of the main debated topics, as well as the introduction of new diagnostic syndromes, which are not based on an adequate evidences. Moreover, the threshold of diagnostic criteria for many mental disorders has been lowered, with the consequence that the boundaries between "normality" and "pathology" is not so clear. In this paper, we will: 1) report the historical development of the DSM from the publication of its first edition; 2) describe the main changes introduced in the DSM-5; 3) discuss critical elements in the DSM-5. The current debate regarding the validity of diagnostic manuals and its criteria is threatening the psychiatric discipline, but a possible solution should be represented by the integration of diagnostic criteria with the in-depth description of patient's psychopathological experiences.

Modification of the deep salinity-maximum in the Southern Ocean by circulation in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Weddell Gyre

Science.gov (United States)

Donnelly, Matthew; Leach, Harry; Strass, Volker

2017-07-01

The evolution of the deep salinity-maximum associated with the Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) is assessed using a set of 37 hydrographic sections collected over a 20-year period in the Southern Ocean as part of the WOCE/CLIVAR programme. A circumpolar decrease in the value of the salinity-maximum is observed eastwards from the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean through the Indian and Pacific sectors to Drake Passage. Isopycnal mixing processes are limited by circumpolar fronts, and in the Atlantic sector, this acts to limit the direct poleward propagation of the salinity signal. Limited entrainment occurs into the Weddell Gyre, with LCDW entering primarily through the eddy-dominated eastern limb. A vertical mixing coefficient, κV of (2.86 ± 1.06) × 10-4 m2 s-1 and an isopycnal mixing coefficient, κI of (8.97 ± 1.67) × 102 m2 s-1 are calculated for the eastern Indian and Pacific sectors of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). A κV of (2.39 ± 2.83) × 10-5 m2 s-1, an order of magnitude smaller, and a κI of (2.47 ± 0.63) × 102 m2 s-1, three times smaller, are calculated for the southern and eastern Weddell Gyre reflecting a more turbulent regime in the ACC and a less turbulent regime in the Weddell Gyre. In agreement with other studies, we conclude that the ACC acts as a barrier to direct meridional transport and mixing in the Atlantic sector evidenced by the eastward propagation of the deep salinity-maximum signal, insulating the Weddell Gyre from short-term changes in NADW characteristics.

RAPID COMMUNICATION: Effect of strain, magnetic field and field angle on the critical current density of Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors

Science.gov (United States)

van der Laan, D. C.; Ekin, J. W.; Douglas, J. F.; Clickner, C. C.; Stauffer, T. C.; Goodrich, L. F.

2010-07-01

A large, magnetic-field-dependent, reversible reduction in critical current density with axial strain in Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors at 75.9 K has been measured. This effect may have important implications for the performance of Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors in applications where the conductor experiences large stresses in the presence of a magnetic field. Previous studies have been performed only under tensile strain and could provide only a limited understanding of the in-field strain effect. We now have constructed a device for measuring the critical current density as a function of axial compressive and tensile strain and applied magnetic field as well as magnetic field angle, in order to determine the magnitude of this effect and to create a better understanding of its origin. The reversible reduction in critical current density with strain becomes larger with increasing magnetic field at all field angles. At 76 K the critical current density is reduced by about 30% at - 0.5% strain when a magnetic field of 5 T is applied parallel to the c-axis of the conductor or 8 T is applied in the ab-plane, compared to a reduction of only 13% in self-field. Differences in the strain response of the critical current density at various magnetic field angles indicate that the pinning mechanisms in Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors are uniquely affected by strain. Contribution of NIST, not subject to US copyright.

Nuclear critical opalescence and electromagnetic probes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Delorme, J.

1980-01-01

A description of nuclear critical opalescence is presented with emphasis on the information which can be gained from electromagnetic probes. The connection with standard nuclear physics treatments is given. Experimental possibilities are reviewed. Present information from electron scattering is shown to be unconclusive. The maximum sensitivity to critical phenomena would be attained by measurements of longitudinal spin form factors. Photopion reactions are analyzed in this spirit and found to be promising

Approximate maximum parsimony and ancestral maximum likelihood.

Science.gov (United States)

Alon, Noga; Chor, Benny; Pardi, Fabio; Rapoport, Anat

2010-01-01

We explore the maximum parsimony (MP) and ancestral maximum likelihood (AML) criteria in phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Both problems are NP-hard, so we seek approximate solutions. We formulate the two problems as Steiner tree problems under appropriate distances. The gist of our approach is the succinct characterization of Steiner trees for a small number of leaves for the two distances. This enables the use of known Steiner tree approximation algorithms. The approach leads to a 16/9 approximation ratio for AML and asymptotically to a 1.55 approximation ratio for MP.

5 CFR 531.221 - Maximum payable rate rule.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... before the reassignment. (ii) If the rate resulting from the geographic conversion under paragraph (c)(2... previous rate (i.e., the former special rate after the geographic conversion) with the rates on the current... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Maximum payable rate rule. 531.221...

Connectomes as constitutively epistemic objects: Critical perspectives on modeling in current neuroanatomy.

Science.gov (United States)

Haueis, Philipp; Slaby, Jan

2017-01-01

The term "connectome" is commonly taken to describe a complete map of neural connections in a nervous system of a given species. This chapter provides a critical perspective on the role of connectomes in neuroscientific practice and asks how the connectomic approach fits into a larger context in which network thinking permeates technology, infrastructure, social life, and the economy. In the first part of this chapter, we argue that, seen from the perspective of ongoing research, the notion of connectomes as "complete descriptions" is misguided. Our argument combines Rachel Ankeny's analysis of neuroanatomical wiring diagrams as "descriptive models" with Hans-Jörg Rheinberger's notion of "epistemic objects," i.e., targets of research that are still partially unknown. Combining these aspects we conclude that connectomes are constitutively epistemic objects: there just is no way to turn them into permanent and complete technical standards because the possibilities to map connection properties under different modeling assumptions are potentially inexhaustible. In the second part of the chapter, we use this understanding of connectomes as constitutively epistemic objects in order to critically assess the historical and political dimensions of current neuroscientific research. We argue that connectomics shows how the notion of the "brain as a network" has become the dominant metaphor of contemporary brain research. We further point out that this metaphor shares (potentially problematic) affinities to the form of contemporary "network societies." We close by pointing out how the relation between connectomes and networks in society could be used in a more fruitful manner. © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nuclear criticality safety aspects of gaseous uranium hexafluoride (UF6) in the diffusion cascade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huffer, J.E.

1997-04-01

This paper determines the nuclear safety of gaseous UF 6 in the current Gaseous Diffusion Cascade and auxiliary systems. The actual plant safety system settings for pressure trip points are used to determine the maximum amount of HF moderation in the process gas, as well as the corresponding atomic number densities. These inputs are used in KENO V.a criticality safety models which are sized to the actual plant equipment. The ENO V.a calculation results confirm nuclear safety of gaseous UF 6 in plant operations

Probable maximum flood control

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DeGabriele, C.E.; Wu, C.L.

1991-11-01

This study proposes preliminary design concepts to protect the waste-handling facilities and all shaft and ramp entries to the underground from the probable maximum flood (PMF) in the current design configuration for the proposed Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigation (NNWSI) repository protection provisions were furnished by the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USSR) or developed from USSR data. Proposed flood protection provisions include site grading, drainage channels, and diversion dikes. Figures are provided to show these proposed flood protection provisions at each area investigated. These areas are the central surface facilities (including the waste-handling building and waste treatment building), tuff ramp portal, waste ramp portal, men-and-materials shaft, emplacement exhaust shaft, and exploratory shafts facility

MADmap: A Massively Parallel Maximum-Likelihood Cosmic Microwave Background Map-Maker

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cantalupo, Christopher; Borrill, Julian; Jaffe, Andrew; Kisner, Theodore; Stompor, Radoslaw

2009-06-09

MADmap is a software application used to produce maximum-likelihood images of the sky from time-ordered data which include correlated noise, such as those gathered by Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments. It works efficiently on platforms ranging from small workstations to the most massively parallel supercomputers. Map-making is a critical step in the analysis of all CMB data sets, and the maximum-likelihood approach is the most accurate and widely applicable algorithm; however, it is a computationally challenging task. This challenge will only increase with the next generation of ground-based, balloon-borne and satellite CMB polarization experiments. The faintness of the B-mode signal that these experiments seek to measure requires them to gather enormous data sets. MADmap is already being run on up to O(1011) time samples, O(108) pixels and O(104) cores, with ongoing work to scale to the next generation of data sets and supercomputers. We describe MADmap's algorithm based around a preconditioned conjugate gradient solver, fast Fourier transforms and sparse matrix operations. We highlight MADmap's ability to address problems typically encountered in the analysis of realistic CMB data sets and describe its application to simulations of the Planck and EBEX experiments. The massively parallel and distributed implementation is detailed and scaling complexities are given for the resources required. MADmap is capable of analysing the largest data sets now being collected on computing resources currently available, and we argue that, given Moore's Law, MADmap will be capable of reducing the most massive projected data sets.

High critical currents in heavily doped (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox superconductor tapes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selvamanickam, V.; Gharahcheshmeh, M. Heydari; Xu, A.; Galstyan, E.; Delgado, L.; Cantoni, C.

2015-01-01

REBa 2 Cu 3 O x ((REBCO), RE = rare earth) superconductor tapes with moderate levels of dopants have been optimized for high critical current density in low magnetic fields at 77 K, but they do not exhibit exemplary performance in conditions of interest for practical applications, i.e., temperatures less than 50 K and fields of 2–30 T. Heavy doping of REBCO tapes has been avoided by researchers thus far due to deterioration in properties. Here, we report achievement of critical current densities (J c ) above 20 MA/cm 2 at 30 K, 3 T in heavily doped (25 mol. % Zr-added) (Gd,Y)Ba 2 Cu 3 O x superconductor tapes, which is more than three times higher than the J c typically obtained in moderately doped tapes. Pinning force levels above 1000 GN/m 3 have also been attained at 20 K. A composition map of lift factor in J c (ratio of J c at 30 K, 3 T to the J c at 77 K, 0 T) has been developed which reveals the optimum film composition to obtain lift factors above six, which is thrice the typical value. A highly c-axis aligned BaZrO 3 (BZO) nanocolumn defect density of nearly 7 × 10 11  cm −2 as well as 2–3 nm sized particles rich in Cu and Zr have been found in the high J c films

SIMULATION OF NEW SIMPLE FUZZY LOGIC MAXIMUM POWER ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

2010-06-30

Jun 30, 2010 ... Basic structure photovoltaic system Solar array mathematic ... The equivalent circuit model of a solar cell consists of a current generator and a diode .... control of boost converter (tracker) such that maximum power is achieved at the output of the solar panel. Fig.11. The membership function of input. Fig.12.

Design and validation of a critical pathway for hospital management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Science.gov (United States)

Espinosa-Aguilar, Amilcar; Reyes-Morales, Hortensia; Huerta-Posada, Carlos E; de León, Itzcoatl Limón-Pérez; López-López, Fernando; Mejía-Hernández, Margarita; Mondragón-Martínez, María A; Calderón-Téllez, Ligia M; Amezcua-Cuevas, Rosa L; Rebollar-González, Jorge A

2008-05-01

Critical pathways for the management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) may contribute to reducing the incidence of hospital complications, length of hospitalization stay, and cost of care. Such pathways have previously been developed for departments with significant resource availability. In Mexico, STBI is the most important cause of complications and length of stay in neurotrauma services at public hospitals. Although current treatment is designed basically in accordance with the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines, shortfalls in the availability of local resources make it difficult to comply with these standards, and no critical pathway is available that accords with the resources of public hospitals. The purpose of the present study was to design and to validate a critical pathway for managing STBI patients that would be suitable for implementation in neurotrauma departments of middle-income level countries. The study comprised two phases: design (through literature review and design plan) and validation (content, construct, and appearance) of the critical pathway. The validated critical pathway for managing STBI patients entails four sequential subprocesses summarizing the hospital's care procedures, and includes three components: (1) nodes and criteria (in some cases, indicators are also included); (2) health team members in charge of the patient; (3) maximum estimated time for compliance with recommendations. This validated critical pathway is based on the current scientific evidence and accords with the availability of resources of middle-income countries.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Based on Sliding Mode Control

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nimrod Vázquez

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Solar panels, which have become a good choice, are used to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. This generated power starts with the solar cells, which have a complex relationship between solar irradiation, temperature, and output power. For this reason a tracking of the maximum power point is required. Traditionally, this has been made by considering just current and voltage conditions at the photovoltaic panel; however, temperature also influences the process. In this paper the voltage, current, and temperature in the PV system are considered to be a part of a sliding surface for the proposed maximum power point tracking; this means a sliding mode controller is applied. Obtained results gave a good dynamic response, as a difference from traditional schemes, which are only based on computational algorithms. A traditional algorithm based on MPPT was added in order to assure a low steady state error.

PTree: pattern-based, stochastic search for maximum parsimony phylogenies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ivan Gregor

2013-06-01

Full Text Available Phylogenetic reconstruction is vital to analyzing the evolutionary relationship of genes within and across populations of different species. Nowadays, with next generation sequencing technologies producing sets comprising thousands of sequences, robust identification of the tree topology, which is optimal according to standard criteria such as maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood or posterior probability, with phylogenetic inference methods is a computationally very demanding task. Here, we describe a stochastic search method for a maximum parsimony tree, implemented in a software package we named PTree. Our method is based on a new pattern-based technique that enables us to infer intermediate sequences efficiently where the incorporation of these sequences in the current tree topology yields a phylogenetic tree with a lower cost. Evaluation across multiple datasets showed that our method is comparable to the algorithms implemented in PAUP* or TNT, which are widely used by the bioinformatics community, in terms of topological accuracy and runtime. We show that our method can process large-scale datasets of 1,000–8,000 sequences. We believe that our novel pattern-based method enriches the current set of tools and methods for phylogenetic tree inference. The software is available under: http://algbio.cs.uni-duesseldorf.de/webapps/wa-download/.

PTree: pattern-based, stochastic search for maximum parsimony phylogenies.

Science.gov (United States)

Gregor, Ivan; Steinbrück, Lars; McHardy, Alice C

2013-01-01

Phylogenetic reconstruction is vital to analyzing the evolutionary relationship of genes within and across populations of different species. Nowadays, with next generation sequencing technologies producing sets comprising thousands of sequences, robust identification of the tree topology, which is optimal according to standard criteria such as maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood or posterior probability, with phylogenetic inference methods is a computationally very demanding task. Here, we describe a stochastic search method for a maximum parsimony tree, implemented in a software package we named PTree. Our method is based on a new pattern-based technique that enables us to infer intermediate sequences efficiently where the incorporation of these sequences in the current tree topology yields a phylogenetic tree with a lower cost. Evaluation across multiple datasets showed that our method is comparable to the algorithms implemented in PAUP* or TNT, which are widely used by the bioinformatics community, in terms of topological accuracy and runtime. We show that our method can process large-scale datasets of 1,000-8,000 sequences. We believe that our novel pattern-based method enriches the current set of tools and methods for phylogenetic tree inference. The software is available under: http://algbio.cs.uni-duesseldorf.de/webapps/wa-download/.

Nuclear critical opalescence and electromagnetic probes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Delorme, J.

1981-01-01

A description of nuclear critical opalescence is presented with emphasis on the information which can be gained from electromagnetic probes. The connection with standard nuclear physics treatments is given. Experimental possibilities are reviewed. Present information from electron scattering is shown to be unconclusive. The maximum sensitivity to critical phenomena would be attained by measurements of longitudinal spin form factors. Photopion reactions are analyzed in this spirit and found to be promising. (orig.)

Current and Future Critical Issues in Rocket Propulsion Systems

Science.gov (United States)

Navaz, Homayun K.; Dix, Jeff C.

1998-01-01

The objective of this research was to tackle several problems that are currently of great importance to NASA. In a liquid rocket engine several complex processes take place that are not thoroughly understood. Droplet evaporation, turbulence, finite rate chemistry, instability, and injection/atomization phenomena are some of the critical issues being encountered in a liquid rocket engine environment. Pulse Detonation Engines (PDE) performance, combustion chamber instability analysis, 60K motor flowfield pattern from hydrocarbon fuel combustion, and 3D flowfield analysis for the Combined Cycle engine were of special interest to NASA. During the summer of 1997, we made an attempt to generate computational results for all of the above problems and shed some light on understanding some of the complex physical phenomena. For this purpose, the Liquid Thrust Chamber Performance (LTCP) code, mainly designed for liquid rocket engine applications, was utilized. The following test cases were considered: (1) Characterization of a detonation wave in a Pulse Detonation Tube; (2) 60K Motor wall temperature studies; (3) Propagation of a pressure pulse in a combustion chamber (under single and two-phase flow conditions); (4) Transonic region flowfield analysis affected by viscous effects; (5) Exploring the viscous differences between a smooth and a corrugated wall; and (6) 3D thrust chamber flowfield analysis of the Combined Cycle engine. It was shown that the LTCP-2D and LTCP-3D codes are capable of solving complex and stiff conservation equations for gaseous and droplet phases in a very robust and efficient manner. These codes can be run on a workstation and personal computers (PC's).

Mapping the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome phenotype outside the currently accepted WHS critical region and defining a new critical region, WHSCR-2.

Science.gov (United States)

Zollino, Marcella; Lecce, Rosetta; Fischetto, Rita; Murdolo, Marina; Faravelli, Francesca; Selicorni, Angelo; Buttè, Cinzia; Memo, Luigi; Capovilla, Giuseppe; Neri, Giovanni

2003-03-01

In an attempt to define the distinctive Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) phenotype, and to map its specific clinical manifestations, a total of eight patients carrying a 4p16.3 microdeletion were analyzed for their clinical phenotype and their respective genotypes. The extent of each individual deletion was established by fluorescence in situ hybridization, with a cosmid contig spanning the genomic region from MSX1 (distal half of 4p16.1) to the subtelomeric locus D4S3359. The deletions were 1.9-3.5 Mb, and all were terminal. All the patients presented with a mild phenotype, in which major malformations were usually absent. It is worth noting that head circumference was normal for height in two patients (those with the smallest deletions [1.9 and 2.2 Mb]). The currently accepted WHS critical region (WHSCR) was fully preserved in the patient with the 1.9-Mb deletion, in spite of a typical WHS phenotype. The deletion in this patient spanned the chromosome region from D4S3327 (190 b4 cosmid clone included) to the telomere. From a clinical point of view, the distinctive WHS phenotype is defined by the presence of typical facial appearance, mental retardation, growth delay, congenital hypotonia, and seizures. These signs represent the minimal diagnostic criteria for WHS. This basic phenotype maps distal to the currently accepted WHSCR. Here, we propose a new critical region for WHS, and we refer to this region as "WHSCR-2." It falls within a 300-600-kb interval in 4p16.3, between the loci D4S3327 and D4S98-D4S168. Among the candidate genes already described for WHS, LETM1 (leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane) is likely to be pathogenetically involved in seizures. On the basis of genotype-phenotype correlation analysis, dividing the WHS phenotype into two distinct clinical entities, a "classical" and a "mild" form, is recommended for the purpose of proper genetic counseling.

Effects of variability in probable maximum precipitation patterns on flood losses

Science.gov (United States)

Zischg, Andreas Paul; Felder, Guido; Weingartner, Rolf; Quinn, Niall; Coxon, Gemma; Neal, Jeffrey; Freer, Jim; Bates, Paul

2018-05-01

The assessment of the impacts of extreme floods is important for dealing with residual risk, particularly for critical infrastructure management and for insurance purposes. Thus, modelling of the probable maximum flood (PMF) from probable maximum precipitation (PMP) by coupling hydrological and hydraulic models has gained interest in recent years. Herein, we examine whether variability in precipitation patterns exceeds or is below selected uncertainty factors in flood loss estimation and if the flood losses within a river basin are related to the probable maximum discharge at the basin outlet. We developed a model experiment with an ensemble of probable maximum precipitation scenarios created by Monte Carlo simulations. For each rainfall pattern, we computed the flood losses with a model chain and benchmarked the effects of variability in rainfall distribution with other model uncertainties. The results show that flood losses vary considerably within the river basin and depend on the timing and superimposition of the flood peaks from the basin's sub-catchments. In addition to the flood hazard component, the other components of flood risk, exposure, and vulnerability contribute remarkably to the overall variability. This leads to the conclusion that the estimation of the probable maximum expectable flood losses in a river basin should not be based exclusively on the PMF. Consequently, the basin-specific sensitivities to different precipitation patterns and the spatial organization of the settlements within the river basin need to be considered in the analyses of probable maximum flood losses.

Field, temperature, and angle dependent critical current density Jc(H,T, ) in coated conductors obtained via contact-free methods

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thompson, James R [ORNL; Sinclair IV, John W [ORNL; Christen, David K [ORNL; Zhang, Yifei [ORNL; Zuev, Yuri L [ORNL; Cantoni, Claudia [ORNL; Chen, Y [SuperPower Incorporated, Schenectady, New York; Selvamanickam, V. [SuperPower Incorporated, Schenectady, New York

2010-01-01

Applications of coated conductors based on high-Tc superconductors often require detailed knowledge of their critical current density Jc as a function of magnetic field orientation as well as field strength and temperature. This work demonstrates experimental methods to obtain the angularly dependent Jc using contact-free magnetic measurements, and qualifies those methods using several well defined conditions. The studies complement traditional transport techniques and are readily extended to conditions of field and temperature where the current density is very large and transport methods become difficult. Results on representative materials are presented.

Characteristics of halo current in JT-60U

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neyatani, Y.; Nakamura, Y.; Yoshino, R.; Hatae, T.

1999-01-01

Halo currents and their toroidal peaking factor (TPF) have been measured in JT-60U by Rogowski coil type halo current sensors. The electron temperature in the halo region was around 10 eV at 1 ms before the timing of the maximum halo current. The maximum TPF*I h /I p0 was 0.52 in the operational range of I p = 0.7 ∼ 1.8 MA, B T = 2.2 ∼ 3.5 T, including ITER design parameters of κ > 1.6 and q 95 = 3, which was lower than that of the maximum value of ITER data base (0.75). The magnitude of halo currents tended to decrease with the increase in stored energy just before the energy quench and with the line integrated electron density at the time of the maximum halo current. A termination technique in which the current channel remains stationary was useful to avoid halo current generation. Intense neon gas puffing during the VDE was effective for reducing the halo currents. (author)

Characteristics of halo current in JT-60U

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neyatani, Y.; Nakamura, Y.; Yoshino, R.; Hatae, T.

2001-01-01

Halo currents and their toroidal peaking factor (TPF) have been measured in JT-60U by Rogowski coil type halo current sensors. The electron temperature in the halo region was around 10 eV at 1 ms before the timing of the maximum halo current. The maximum TPF *I h /I p0 was 0.52 in the operational range of I p =0.7∼1.8MA, B T =2.2∼3.5T, including ITER design parameters of κ>1.6 and q 95 =3, which was lower than that of the maximum value of ITER data base (0.75). The magnitude of halo currents tended to decrease with the increase in stored energy just before the energy quench and with the line integrated electron density at the time of the maximum halo current. A termination technique in which the current channel remains stationary was useful to avoid halo current generation. Intense neon gas puffing during the VDE was effective for reducing the halo currents. (author)

Maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic power plants

Science.gov (United States)

Arcidiacono, V.; Corsi, S.; Lambri, L.

The paper describes two different closed-loop control criteria for the maximum power point tracking of the voltage-current characteristic of a photovoltaic generator. The two criteria are discussed and compared, inter alia, with regard to the setting-up problems that they pose. Although a detailed analysis is not embarked upon, the paper also provides some quantitative information on the energy advantages obtained by using electronic maximum power point tracking systems, as compared with the situation in which the point of operation of the photovoltaic generator is not controlled at all. Lastly, the paper presents two high-efficiency MPPT converters for experimental photovoltaic plants of the stand-alone and the grid-interconnected type.

Nutritional ecology of blowflies (Diptera, Calliphoridae: estimates of critical larval weight for pupation on two different

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cássio da Silva Ribeiro

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Under natural environmental conditions, blowflies utilize discrete and ephemeral feeding resources such as decaying carcasses. Competition for food on such feeding substrates is usually very severe, and only the individuals that are capable of attaining the critical larval weight for pupation will be able to survive. This critical weight is hitherto unknown for several blowfly species; therefore, the current work is aimed at obtaining such a critical value for four blowfly species of the genera Chrysomya and Lucilia, deploying two types of feeding substrate, namely, artificial diet and macerated bovine meat. On the whole, the critical weights ranged from 30 to 35 mg. The lowest larval weight which permitted pupation was 30.0 mg for Chrysomya megacephala reared on macerated bovine meat. This species was also the best adapted to pupation at low larval weights in relation to the maximum larval weight for males. Regarding the pupation of females, the best-adapted individual was a C. albiceps specimen exhibiting a critical weight that was equal to 39.20 % of the maximum value obtained. Concerning all the species and diet types, the female individuals exhibited the lowest critical weights that produced viable pupae, probably representing an evolutionary strategy that favoured the survival of females, responsible for the egg formation, contributing to the establishment of future generations. Regarding the loss (in percentage of adult biomass in relation to the third instar larvae, the females of C. megacephala lost less weight than males in both feeding substrates. On the other hand, such a loss of weight occurred in males of C. albiceps and L. cuprina.

Identifying critical constraints for the maximum loadability of electric power systems - analysis via interior point method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barboza, Luciano Vitoria [Sul-riograndense Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology (IFSul), Pelotas, RS (Brazil)], E-mail: luciano@pelotas.ifsul.edu.br

2009-07-01

This paper presents an overview about the maximum load ability problem and aims to study the main factors that limit this load ability. Specifically this study focuses its attention on determining which electric system buses influence directly on the power demand supply. The proposed approach uses the conventional maximum load ability method modelled by an optimization problem. The solution of this model is performed using the Interior Point methodology. As consequence of this solution method, the Lagrange multipliers are used as parameters that identify the probable 'bottlenecks' in the electric power system. The study also shows the relationship between the Lagrange multipliers and the cost function in the Interior Point optimization interpreted like sensitivity parameters. In order to illustrate the proposed methodology, the approach was applied to an IEEE test system and to assess its performance, a real equivalent electric system from the South- Southeast region of Brazil was simulated. (author)

The role of minimum supply and social vulnerability assessment for governing critical infrastructure failure: current gaps and future agenda

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Garschagen

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Increased attention has lately been given to the resilience of critical infrastructure in the context of natural hazards and disasters. The major focus therein is on the sensitivity of critical infrastructure technologies and their management contingencies. However, strikingly little attention has been given to assessing and mitigating social vulnerabilities towards the failure of critical infrastructure and to the development, design and implementation of minimum supply standards in situations of major infrastructure failure. Addressing this gap and contributing to a more integrative perspective on critical infrastructure resilience is the objective of this paper. It asks which role social vulnerability assessments and minimum supply considerations can, should and do – or do not – play for the management and governance of critical infrastructure failure. In its first part, the paper provides a structured review on achievements and remaining gaps in the management of critical infrastructure and the understanding of social vulnerabilities towards disaster-related infrastructure failures. Special attention is given to the current state of minimum supply concepts with a regional focus on policies in Germany and the EU. In its second part, the paper then responds to the identified gaps by developing a heuristic model on the linkages of critical infrastructure management, social vulnerability and minimum supply. This framework helps to inform a vision of a future research agenda, which is presented in the paper's third part. Overall, the analysis suggests that the assessment of socially differentiated vulnerabilities towards critical infrastructure failure needs to be undertaken more stringently to inform the scientifically and politically difficult debate about minimum supply standards and the shared responsibilities for securing them.

The role of minimum supply and social vulnerability assessment for governing critical infrastructure failure: current gaps and future agenda

Science.gov (United States)

Garschagen, Matthias; Sandholz, Simone

2018-04-01

Increased attention has lately been given to the resilience of critical infrastructure in the context of natural hazards and disasters. The major focus therein is on the sensitivity of critical infrastructure technologies and their management contingencies. However, strikingly little attention has been given to assessing and mitigating social vulnerabilities towards the failure of critical infrastructure and to the development, design and implementation of minimum supply standards in situations of major infrastructure failure. Addressing this gap and contributing to a more integrative perspective on critical infrastructure resilience is the objective of this paper. It asks which role social vulnerability assessments and minimum supply considerations can, should and do - or do not - play for the management and governance of critical infrastructure failure. In its first part, the paper provides a structured review on achievements and remaining gaps in the management of critical infrastructure and the understanding of social vulnerabilities towards disaster-related infrastructure failures. Special attention is given to the current state of minimum supply concepts with a regional focus on policies in Germany and the EU. In its second part, the paper then responds to the identified gaps by developing a heuristic model on the linkages of critical infrastructure management, social vulnerability and minimum supply. This framework helps to inform a vision of a future research agenda, which is presented in the paper's third part. Overall, the analysis suggests that the assessment of socially differentiated vulnerabilities towards critical infrastructure failure needs to be undertaken more stringently to inform the scientifically and politically difficult debate about minimum supply standards and the shared responsibilities for securing them.

Study of critical current density from ac susceptibility measurements in (La1-xYx)2Ba2CaCu5O2 superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nayak, P.K.; Ravi, S. . sravi@iitg.ernet.in

2008-01-01

We have prepared a series of compounds (La 1-x Y x ) 2 Ba 2 CaCu 5 O 2 for x = 0 to 0.5 by adding a CaCuO 2 layer to the parent compound La 2 Ba 2 Cu 4 O 2 and by doping Y in place of La. These materials are also prepared by adding 5 wt% of Ag to enhance the intergranular coupling and critical current density. X-ray diffraction measurements show that all the samples are essentially in single phase form and the patterns could be refined using P4/mmm space group in tetragonal cell. The typical lattice parameters are found to be a = b 3.856 A, c = 11.576 A for x = 0.5 sample. Temperature variations of dc electrical resistivity measured on the above samples show that they exhibit superconductivity with T c ranging from 60 to 75 K. Temperature and ac field amplitude variation of ac susceptibility have been measured on the above samples. The field variation of ac susceptibility data has been analyzed by using Bean critical state model. Using both temperature and field variations of ac susceptibility data, the material dependent parameters, such as critical current density as a function of temperature and effective volume fraction grains have been estimated. The Ag doped samples show relatively large critical current density compared to pure samples due to improved intergranular coupling. (author)

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal cortex on implicit self-esteem is mediated by rumination after criticism.

Science.gov (United States)

De Raedt, Rudi; Remue, Jonathan; Loeys, Tom; Hooley, Jill M; Baeken, Chris

2017-12-01

It has been proposed that a crucial link between cognitive (i.e., self-schemas) and biological vulnerability is prefrontal control. This is because decreased control leads to impaired ability to inhibit ruminative thinking after the activation of negative self-schemas. However, current evidence is mainly correlational. In the current experimental study we tested whether the effect of neurostimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on self-esteem is mediated by momentary ruminative self-referential thinking (MRST) after the induction of negative self-schemas by criticism. We used a single, sham-controlled crossover session of anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left DLPFC (cathode over the right supraorbital region) in healthy female individuals. After receiving tDCS/sham stimulation, we measured MRST and exposed the participants to critical audio scripts, followed by another MRST measurement. Subsequently, all participants completed two Implicit Relational Assessment Procedures to implicitly measure actual and ideal self-esteem. Our behavioral data indicated a significant decrease in MRST after real but not sham tDCS. Moreover, although there was no immediate effect of tDCS on implicit self-esteem, an indirect effect was found through double mediation, with the difference in MRST from baseline to after stimulation and from baseline to after criticism as our two mediators. The larger the decrease of criticism induced MRST after real tDCS, the higher the level of actual self-esteem. Our results show that tDCS can influence cognitive processes such as rumination, and subsequently self-esteem, but only after the activation of negative self-schemas. Rumination and negative self-esteem characterize different forms of psychopathology, and these data expand our knowledge of the role of the prefrontal cortex in controlling these self-referential processes, and the mechanisms of action of tDCS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Phase dynamics of low critical current density YBCO Josephson junctions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Massarotti, D., E-mail: dmassarotti@na.infn.it [Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); CNR-SPIN UOS Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); Stornaiuolo, D. [Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); Rotoli, G. [Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale e dell’Informazione, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (CE) (Italy); Carillo, F. [Nest, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56126 Pisa (Italy); Galletti, L. [Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); CNR-SPIN UOS Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); Longobardi, L. [Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale e dell’Informazione, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (CE) (Italy); American Physical Society, 1 Research Road, Ridge, NY 11961 (United States); Beltram, F. [Nest, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56126 Pisa (Italy); Tafuri, F. [CNR-SPIN UOS Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli (Italy); Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale e dell’Informazione, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (CE) (Italy)

2014-08-15

Highlights: • We study the phase dynamics of YBaCuO Josephson junctions using various tools. • We derive information on the dissipation in a wide range of transport parameters. • Dissipation in such devices can be described by a frequency dependent damping model. • The use of different substrates allows us to tune the shell circuit. - Abstract: High critical temperature superconductors (HTS) based devices can have impact in the study of the phase dynamics of Josephson junctions (JJs) thanks to the wide range of junction parameters they offer and to their unconventional properties. Measurements of current–voltage characteristics and of switching current distributions constitute a direct way to classify different regimes of the phase dynamics and of the transport, also in nontrivial case of the moderately damped regime (MDR). MDR is going to be more and more common in JJs with advances in nanopatterning superconductors and synthesizing novel hybrid systems. Distinctive signatures of macroscopic quantum tunneling and of thermal activation in presence of different tunable levels of dissipation have been detected in YBCO grain boundary JJs. Experimental data are supported by Monte Carlo simulations of the phase dynamics, in a wide range of temperatures and dissipation levels. This allows us to quantify dissipation in the MDR and partially reconstruct a phase diagram as guideline for a wide range of moderately damped systems.

Theory of current-driven instability experiments in magnetic Taylor-Couette flows.

Science.gov (United States)

Rüdiger, Günther; Schultz, Manfred; Shalybkov, Dima; Hollerbach, Rainer

2007-11-01

We consider the linear stability of dissipative magnetic Taylor-Couette flow with imposed toroidal magnetic fields. The inner and outer cylinders can be either insulating or conducting; the inner one rotates, the outer one is stationary. The magnetic Prandtl number can be as small as 10(-5) , approaching realistic liquid-metal values. The magnetic field destabilizes the flow, except for radial profiles of B(phi)(R) close to the current-free solution. The profile with B(in)=B(out) (the most uniform field) is considered in detail. For weak fields the Taylor-Couette flow is stabilized, until for moderately strong fields the m=1 azimuthal mode dramatically destabilizes the flow again so that a maximum value for the critical Reynolds number exists. For sufficiently strong fields (as measured by the Hartmann number) the toroidal field is always unstable, even for the nonrotating case with Re=0 . The electric currents needed to generate the required toroidal fields in laboratory experiments are a few kA if liquid sodium is used, somewhat more if gallium is used. Weaker currents are needed for wider gaps, so a wide-gap apparatus could succeed even with gallium. The critical Reynolds numbers are only somewhat larger than the nonmagnetic values; hence such experiments would work with only modest rotation rates.

Equivalent charge source model based iterative maximum neighbor weight for sparse EEG source localization.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Peng; Tian, Yin; Lei, Xu; Hu, Xiao; Yao, Dezhong

2008-12-01

How to localize the neural electric activities within brain effectively and precisely from the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings is a critical issue for current study in clinical neurology and cognitive neuroscience. In this paper, based on the charge source model and the iterative re-weighted strategy, proposed is a new maximum neighbor weight based iterative sparse source imaging method, termed as CMOSS (Charge source model based Maximum neighbOr weight Sparse Solution). Different from the weight used in focal underdetermined system solver (FOCUSS) where the weight for each point in the discrete solution space is independently updated in iterations, the new designed weight for each point in each iteration is determined by the source solution of the last iteration at both the point and its neighbors. Using such a new weight, the next iteration may have a bigger chance to rectify the local source location bias existed in the previous iteration solution. The simulation studies with comparison to FOCUSS and LORETA for various source configurations were conducted on a realistic 3-shell head model, and the results confirmed the validation of CMOSS for sparse EEG source localization. Finally, CMOSS was applied to localize sources elicited in a visual stimuli experiment, and the result was consistent with those source areas involved in visual processing reported in previous studies.

AC over-current test results of YBCO conductor for YBCO power transformer with fault current limiting function

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tomioka, A.; Otonari, T.; Ogata, T.; Iwakuma, M.; Okamoto, H.; Hayashi, H.; Iijima, Y.; Saito, T.; Gosho, Y.; Tanabe, K.; Izumi, T.; Shiohara, Y.

2011-01-01

The single-layer coils with a diameter of 250 mm and 12 turns were manufactured with YBCO tapes with a CuNi- or Cu-Tape. The AC over-current tests were carried out in subcooled liquid nitrogen at 66 K and 74 K to develop power transformers with current limiting function. The AC over-current was two to seven times larger than the I c of conductor and it was reduced to the same level of I c . The I c of model coils did not degrade. The test results showed the possibility of YBCO superconducting transformers with current limiting function. We are developing elemental technology for 66 kV/6.9 kV 20 MVA-class YBCO power transformer. The YBCO transformer is considered to have a possibility to stabilize the power system by improving function of fault current limiting. Current limiting behavior functions over critical current flows. There is a possibility that superconducting characteristic may be damaged due to increase in temperature of YBCO tapes. Therefore, we have taken a measure to combine YBCO tape with CuNi tape or Cu Tape. We manufactured model coils using these conductors and conducted the AC over-current tests. The test current was two to seven times larger than the I c of conductor and it was damped with time from its maximum value according to the generation of conductor resistance. We verified the effectiveness of current limiting characteristics. In these tests, the I c of model coil did not degrade. We consider this conductor to be able to withstand AC over-current with the function of current limiting.

Current filamentation caused by the electrochemical instability in a fully ionized plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haines, M.G.; Marsh, F.

1983-01-01

This chapter is primarily concerned with the non-linear development of electrothermal instabilities in a fully ionized plasma discharge in which the current is predominantly carried parallel to an applied magnetic field, as in the Tokamak configuration. Discusses instabilities with wave-number K perpendicular to magnetic field B and current J; the non-linear steady state; amplitude of the filaments; and runaway electrons and ion acoustic instabilities. Concludes that the steady non-linear amplitude of the fully developed instability shows a spiky filamentary structure with the possibility of the generation of runaway electrons and ion acoustic turbulence in the current maxima. Finds that the addition of bremsstrahlung radiation loss enhances the instability, reducing the critical ratio of T /SUB e/ to T /SUB i/ for its onset, and yielding a maximum ion temperature attainable by Joule heating and equipartition

Numerical investigations on contactless methods for measuring critical current density in HTS: application of modified constitutive-relation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamitani, A.; Takayama, T.; Itoh, T.; Ikuno, S.

2011-01-01

A fast method is proposed for calculating the shielding current density in an HTS. The J-E constitutive relation is modified so as not to change the solution. A numerical code is developed on the basis of the proposed method. The permanent magnet method is successfully simulated by means of the code. A fast method has been proposed for calculating the shielding current density in a high-temperature superconducting thin film. An initial-boundary-value problem of the shielding current density cannot be always solved by means of the Runge-Kutta method even when an adaptive step-size control algorithm is incorporated to the method. In order to suppress an overflow in the algorithm, the J-E constitutive relation is modified so that its solution may satisfy the original constitutive relation. A numerical code for analyzing the shielding current density has been developed on the basis of this method and, as an application of the code, the permanent magnet method for measuring the critical current density has been investigated numerically.

Critical dynamics in associative memory networks

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maximilian eUhlig

2013-07-01

Full Text Available Critical behavior in neural networks is characterized by scale-free avalanche size distributions and can be explained by self-regulatory mechanisms. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicates that information storage capacity reaches its maximum in the critical regime. We study the effect of structural connectivity formed by Hebbian learning on the criticality of network dynamics. The network endowed with Hebbian learning only does not allow for simultaneous information storage and criticality. However, the critical regime is can be stabilized by short-term synaptic dynamics in the form of synaptic depression and facilitation or, alternatively, by homeostatic adaptation of the synaptic weights. We show that a heterogeneous distribution of maximal synaptic strengths does not preclude criticality if the Hebbian learning is alternated with periods of critical dynamics recovery. We discuss the relevance of these findings for the flexibility of memory in aging and with respect to the recent theory of synaptic plasticity.

THE RISE AND FALL OF OPEN SOLAR FLUX DURING THE CURRENT GRAND SOLAR MAXIMUM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lockwood, M.; Rouillard, A. P.; Finch, I. D.

2009-01-01

We use geomagnetic activity data to study the rise and fall over the past century of the solar wind flow speed V SW , the interplanetary magnetic field strength B, and the open solar flux F S . Our estimates include allowance for the kinematic effect of longitudinal structure in the solar wind flow speed. As well as solar cycle variations, all three parameters show a long-term rise during the first half of the 20th century followed by peaks around 1955 and 1986 and then a recent decline. Cosmogenic isotope data reveal that this constitutes a grand maximum of solar activity which began in 1920, using the definition that such grand maxima are when 25-year averages of the heliospheric modulation potential exceeds 600 MV. Extrapolating the linear declines seen in all three parameters since 1985, yields predictions that the grand maximum will end in the years 2013, 2014, or 2027 using V SW , F S , or B, respectively. These estimates are consistent with predictions based on the probability distribution of the durations of past grand solar maxima seen in cosmogenic isotope data. The data contradict any suggestions of a floor to the open solar flux: we show that the solar minimum open solar flux, kinematically corrected to allow for the excess flux effect, has halved over the past two solar cycles.

Maximum power point tracker based on fuzzy logic