Evaluation of various fabrication techniques for fabrication of fine filament NbTi superconductors

The successful fabrication of a fine filament high current density NbTi superconductor can have a significant impact on the cost of the Superconducting Supercollider. Consequently, we have been exploring various approaches for fabricating this type of superconductor, in collaboration with several superconductor wire manufacturers. The techniques investigated include double conventional hot extrusion, large single stack conventional hot extrusion, and warm hydrostatic extrusion. The important conductor properties (critical current density, piece length, yield, and cost) will be compared for the various approaches. Finally, the feasibility of manufacturing production quantities of a fine filament conductor will be assessed.