Network models of superconducting cables and the results of the matrix approach to their description

Network models of flat two-layer and round twisted superconducting cables and the matrix approach (MA) to their description are considered. The MA implies a self-consistent application of Faraday's and Kirchhoff's equations to all elements of the network. Since these elements are often too many, application of the MA is limited either to the stationary cases or to short, ideal cables with just few strands instead of the industrial ones. In the last sense, the MA helps to model physical processes in the cables. Examples are discussed including periodicity of eddy currents, time constants spectrum, dynamics of the current penetration in the cable subjected to the time dependent magnetic field, etc. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.