Superconductive Pressure Contacts.
Abstract
Superconducting relays with a high critical current (100-200A) capability have been shown to be practical. A study of weakly coupled pressure contacts was also made using an adaptation of the relay. Materials thought most likely to be effective as high critical current pressure contacts were tested. Oxidation of the contact surfaces reduced this effectiveness in some materials much more than it did in others. Preloading the contacts at room temperature was found to significantly increase the capacity to conduct high critical currents. The relationship of the critical current of the junction to its normal state resistance is investigated for Pb contacts. Various approximations to the 'effective' contact area of Pb contacts are made and evaluated. Nb3Sn tape was tested as a contact material and found to conduct critical currents in excess of 100 A with good performance in applied magnetic fields. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0734813
Entities
People
- G. K. Gaule
- J. J. Winter
- J. T. Breslin
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command