NbTi Superconductor Wire with Segmented Aluminum Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
NbTi superconductor wires face challenges with high weight and production costs due to the use of copper for stabilization, and alternative materials like aluminum can cause cracking during wire drawing.
Innovation Solution
A superconductor wire design that partially replaces copper with aluminum, using at least three aluminum blocks distributed circumferentially and separated by NbTi sections, ensuring good heat and current transfer without solder, reducing the risk of cracking and maintaining structural simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper is used to stabilize NbTi superconductor wires, then thermal and electrical conductivity are improved, but weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The copper stabilization structure is segmented into multiple discrete copper blocks distributed along the wire axis, separated by aluminum sections. This segmentation allows replacement of portions of heavy copper with lighter aluminum while maintaining thermal and electrical conductivity through the distributed copper blocks that provide stabilization at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Copper blocks are strategically positioned at specific locations along the wire where stabilization is most needed, rather than using continuous copper. The local quality of copper (high conductivity) is concentrated where required, while lighter aluminum is used in intermediate sections, optimizing the weight-conductivity trade-off.
2Weight of moving object
If aluminum is used to replace copper for weight reduction, then weight and cost are reduced, but crack formation during wire drawing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire structure is segmented into alternating aluminum and copper blocks along the axis. The aluminum sections are separated by copper blocks, which act as reinforcement points that prevent crack propagation through the softer aluminum material during wire drawing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Copper blocks serve as intermediary reinforcement elements between aluminum sections. These copper blocks mediate the mechanical stress during drawing, preventing cracks in the aluminum while maintaining the overall lightweight structure.
3Weight of moving object
If aluminum blocks are used for stabilization, then weight is reduced, but structural complexity increases due to need for separation and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the alternating aluminum-copper block structure: weight reduction is achieved through aluminum, while stabilization is provided by copper blocks. The same structural arrangement simultaneously prevents crack formation and maintains thermal/electrical conductivity, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components.
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
The design achieves a weight-reduced, cost-effective NbTi-based superconductor wire with low crack formation during extrusion and drawing, while maintaining high thermal and electrical conductivity, and minimizing the risk of quenching.
Implementation Method 1
The copper is a good conductor of heat, which can be used to effectively cool the superconducting NbTi filaments. Aluminium (Al) in its pure form would be a suitable material with regard to heat conduction
Implementation Method 2
the copper has a high electrical conductivity. In the event of a local loss of superconductivity in the superconducting wire, the copper provides a parallel current path
Implementation Method 3
The superconducting properties of NbTi are only achieved at particularly low temperatures, below approx. 9 K
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a superconducting wire (1; 31) containing NbTi superconducting material and Cu comprises: - a sheathing tube (2), in particular a Cu sheathing tube, - at least three Al blocks (3a-3c) arranged circumferentially distributed within the sheathing tube (2), - and at least three NbTi-containing sections (4a-4c) also arranged circumferentially distributed within the sheathing tube (2), separating the Al blocks (3a-3c) from one another circumferentially, wherein the Al blocks (3a-3c) each bear flat against their adjacent NbTi-containing sections (4a-4c). The invention proposes a stabilized NbTi superconducting wire that is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and exhibits a reduced tendency to crack (particularly during wire drawing).