Calculation of the critical currents of Bi(2223) /Ag tapes and coils with reduced anisotropy in Ic(B) characteristic -: effect of different proportional representations of the filaments oriented parallel and perpendicularly to the tape surface

A mathematical model was developed to allow for the prediction of critical currents in Bi(2223)/Ag-sheathed tapes that consist of two groups of filaments, having crystalline texture (c-axis) predominantly in two directions orthogonal to each other and to the length of the conductor (filaments oriented parallel and perpendicular to the tape surface). Using the theory presented, it is possible to estimate the upper limit of critical currents in the tapes prepared with a two-axial rolling technique. Magnetic field and angular dependencies of critical currents were obtained at 77 K measuring tapes with various proportional representations of filaments oriented in both preferred directions, i.e., the parallel and perpendicular directions. The results of calculation indicate that the anisotropy in the I-c(B) characteristic should be reduced considerably using the two-axial rolling. Unfortunately, the effect of anisotropy reduction is accompanied by simultaneous decrease in the current-carrying capacity of the tapes. The data obtained for shea tape samples were utilised to estimate the critical currents of the individual turns of a small cylindrical magnet, assembled of eight pancake coils. It is shown that only a slight increase in the critical current of the magnet can be expected if the winding should be mode of the tape with reduced anisotropy in the I-c(B) characteristic. The factors that limit the increase of the magnet critical current are discussed in detail. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.