Studies on "in situ" processed V3Ga composite superconductors

A systematic study on the ´in situ´ process for the fabrication of V3Ga composite superconductors has been carried out, because V3Ga exhibits larger critical current density at high magnetic fields than any other practical superconductor. A method for producing the in situ composites of long length has been also attempted in the present study, utilizing a nonconsumable electrode continuous arc casting and a continuous gallium coating by dipping process. It has been found that both the superconducting properties and mechanical properties of the in situ V3Ga composite are strongly dependent on its composition. An overall Jcof about 10⁵A/cm²at 4.2 K and 13 T was obtained for the external diffusion processed in situ V3Ga composite, which is superior to those of the commercial V3Ga multifilamentary wires fabricated by the conventional bronze process. The performance of the in situ V3Ga composite superconductors has been evaluated taking into account the results of the stress effect measurements under tensile and bending deformations.