Optimization of the Superconducting and Mechanical Properties of Conductors for High Field Solenoid Magnets

Superconductors for high field magnets should have high mechanical strength, high Young modulus as well as high critical current density. The optimization of these properties is very important in the design of a magnet and its conductors. In case of high field solenoids, the main factor limiting the coil current is the mechanical properties of the conductors. A new optimization procedure for conductors is introduced, starting from the competition between the transport properties and the mechanical properties. The balance between mechanical and transport properties are calculated depending on the coil diameter and on the applied magnetic field, and examples of applications to Bi2223 tapes are presented.