Self-field loss in AC transport current of Ni-sheathed MgB2 superconducting tapes

AC transport current loss (self field loss) of ex-situ-processed MgB2 superconducting tapes with Ni sheath was measured under different conditions of transport current value, transport current frequency, and temperature. Experimental results were compared with Norris' theoretical curves and previous measured losses of MgB2 tapes with CuNi and stainless-steel sheaths, which were larger than the theoretical ones and previous data. The loss vs. normalized transport current (transport current normalized by critical current) curves varied with temperature and the loss at 9 K was larger than that at 14 K. The measured loss approached Norris' curves in the high normalized transport current region. In order to gain insight into these origins, FEM analysis of magnetic flux concentration by Ni and estimations of hysteresis loss of ferromagnetic nickel-sheath and of homogeneity of the core were carried out. As a result, the hysteresis loss of Ni was very small based on the estimation and the loss, measurement of Ni. Main contributions to large loss are considered to be self-field enhancement due to magnetic flux concentration by the Ni-sheath and critical current density distribution of the MgB2 core caused by the inhomogeneity of critical current density and critical temperature.