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Thermal Cycling Degradation of YBa2Cu3O9−x Superconductors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Donald L. Kinser ,
Robert H. Magruder III ,
Ronald A. Quarles  and
J. Dora Schaefer
Donald L. Kinser
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235
Robert H. Magruder III
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235
Ronald A. Quarles
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235
J. Dora Schaefer
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235
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Abstract

Thermal cycling for four cycles between 294 and 78°K has been observed to shift the superconducting transition temperature from 85 to 28°K. Samples cycled for 12 cycles between 373 and 78°K do not display superconductivity at temperatures down to 37°K. Guinier de Wolff X-ray diffraction observations of these samples reveal no crystallography changes during thermal cycling up to 12 cycles. Scanning electron microscopy studies of polished samples of the thermally cycled material revealed the presence of cracks in individual grains within each sample. The percentage of grains displaying cracks climbs rapidly with thermal cycling. We conclude that the loss of superconducting behavior is a consequence of removal of continuous paths but we are not, at this time, able to rationalize the shift of Tc with thermal cycling. We conclude that the thermal expansion anisotropy produces strains which lead to destructive fractures within the material.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 99: Symposium AA – High-Temperature Superconductors , 1987 , 915
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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References

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