Propagation of normal zone in superconducting tapes due to heating in near-electrode area

Local disturbances of thermal stability in the superconducting materials may initiate the formation of the normal zones. One of the reasons for these disturbances is thermal processes in metal leads connected to the superconductor. Here, superconducting tapes with metal leads are analyzed thermally and from the point of view of current distribution. The results show that the Jouleʹs heat, generated in the vicinity of the metal–superconductor junction may initiate propagation of a normal zone in the superconductor and may cause its thermal runaway.