Technological aspects of high-Tc superconductors

The applications of the dynamic or shock-wave compaction in the area of processing of high-Tc superconducting materials are presented and discussed. The basic aspects of explosive technology and also the various features of the related experimental techniques are reported. On the other hand, the influence of the shock-wave phenomena on macro-/microstructure and physico-chemical properties of the compacted ceramic, and the quality-performance of the final superconducting component are overviewed for certain industrial applications. Finally, some basic theoretical and empirical models describing the dynamic state of the material under shock and the stress-wave propagation are also included, in order to understand the dominant compaction mechanisms.