MgB2 Wire Joint Connector for Low-Resistance Superconducting Bonds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining superconducting wires with magnesium diboride (MgB2) cores face challenges in maintaining low electrical resistance and stability, especially at joints, due to the fragile nature of the material and the need for complex procedures like overlapping and sheath removal.
Innovation Solution
A tubular metal connector filled with magnesium or boron material is used to join flattened ends of superconducting wires with reacted MgB2 cores, eliminating the need for overlap and sheath removal, and a heat treatment process restores superconductivity, while compacting the material to reduce voids and prevent cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the end pieces of superconducting wires are flattened to a very large degree to increase the bonding area, then the bonding area is increased, but the wire becomes very thin and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
A metal connector serves as an intermediary component between two superconducting wires. The connector receives the flattened wire ends and provides mechanical support and electrical connection, eliminating the need for direct wire-to-wire bonding that would require extreme flattening. The connector absorbs the mechanical stress and protects the fragile superconducting core.
2Area of stationary object
If the sheath and stabilization layer are removed to expose the superconducting core for contact, then the bonding area is increased, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal connector performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables electrical connection, and protects the superconducting core. By making the connector universal and multi-functional, the need to remove protective layers is eliminated, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective bonding.
3Reliability
If the superconducting wires are pressed to compact the MgB2 material and reduce voids, then the superconducting properties are improved, but the wire may deform or crack
Solution Approach 1:
The metal connector provides beforehand cushioning and support to the superconducting wires during the pressing process. It distributes the applied pressure uniformly and prevents localized stress concentrations that would cause cracking. The connector acts as a protective cushion that enables effective compaction of MgB2 material without damaging the wire structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the jointing process, maintains low electrical resistance, and prevents deformation or cracking, ensuring stable superconductivity in the joints without the need for complex procedures, thus enhancing the durability and performance of superconducting wire connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first flattened end of first superconducting wire is inserted at one side of the connector until it is in contact with the magnesium or boron or MgB2 material. The second flattened end of the second superconducting wire is inserted at the other side of the connector until it is also in contact with the magnesium or boron or MgB2 material.
Implementation Method 2
The connector is pressed at both sides to fix the first superconducting wire and the second superconducting wire. The centre of the connector is pressed to compact the magnesium or boron or MgB2 material.
Implementation Method 3
a heat treatment process restores superconductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A joint of superconducting wires having at least two superconducting wires, each with a sheath and with a core of reacted superconducting MgB2. At least one first superconducting wire has a first flattened end and at least one second superconducting wire has a second flattened end. The joint further has a tubular metal connector having a centre filled with MgB2 material. The first flattened end of the first superconducting wire is inserted at one side of the connector until it is in contact with the MgB2 material, the second flattened end of the second superconducting wire is inserted at the other side of the connector until it is in contact with the MgB2 material, the connector is pressed at both sides to fix the superconducting wires, and the centre of the connector is pressed to compact the MgB2 material.