Numerical calculation of current density distributions in high temperature superconducting tapes with finite thickness in self field and external field

The current density distribution of high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes is modeled for the combined case of an alternating self and applied magnetic field. This numerical analysis is based on the two-dimensional Poisson equation for the vector potential. A one-dimensional current( z-direction) and a one-dimensional applied field (y-direction) are assumed. The vector potential is rewritten into an equation of motion for the current density J(x, y, t). The model covers the finite thickness of the conductor and an n-power E-J relation. The magnetic field dependence of J, is also included in this E-J relation. A time-dependent two-dimensional current distribution that is influenced by the aspect ratio of the conductor and the material properties in E = f(J, B) is calculated numerically. The numerical results are compared with the experimental results for the AC loss of a tape driven by a transport current. Finally, a total AC loss factor is given for two cases in magnetic field direction, perpendicular and parallel to the conductor broad side. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.