Analysis of the impact of strand joints and copper location on the current distribution and stability in cable-in-conduit conductors

A typical cable in conduit conductor can contain over 1000 NbTi, Nb₃Sn or Nb₃Al strands, cabled together with a helium flow through the interstices to provide cooling. The impacts of strand joints within the cable, and copper, present as separate strands, have been analysed using a time dependent model of current diffusion and heat transfer. It is concluded that a few well distributed strand joints in the cable are acceptable, and that separate copper strands can contribute to cable stability