Effect of axial strain on the critical current of Ag-sheathed Bi-based superconductors in magnetic fields up to 25 T

The irreversible strain limit ε_irrev for the onset of permanent axial strain damage to Ag-sheathed Bi₂Sr₂Ca ₁Cu₂O_8+x and Bi₂Sr ₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+x superconductors has been measured to be in the range of 0.2%-0.35%. This strain damage onset is about an order of magnitude higher than for bulk sintered Y-, Bi-, or Tl-based superconductors and is approaching practical values for magnet design. The measurements show that the value of ε_irrev is not dependent on magnetic field, nor does the critical current depend on strain below ε_irrev at least up to 25 T at 4.2 K. Both of these factors indicate that the observed strain effect in Ag-sheathed Bi-based superconductors is not intrinsic to the superconductor material. Rather, the effect is extrinsic and arises from superconductor fracture. Thus, the damage onset is amenable to further enhancement. Indeed, the data suggest that subdividing the superconductor into fine filaments or adding Ag to the superconductor powder prior to processing significantly enhances the damage threshold ε_irrev to above 0.6%.