The effect of field orientation on current transfer in multifilamentary superconductors

Experimental data and discussion are presented on the current distribution along the length of a superconducting wire when subjected to multiple parallel and perpendicular magnetic fields. The experimental data were taken on a rectangular pancake coil with the applied magnetic field in the plane of the coil. These data indicate that significant current transfer occurs in the first and last perpendicular magnetic field sections and little transfer occurs between these two sections. The implication for superconducting magnet design will also be discussed.