Performance Characteristics of Block-Coil Dipoles for a 100 TeV Hadron Collider

Recent studies highlight a renewed interest in a 100-TeV hadron collider as the next HEP discovery machine. The arc dipoles are the major technology challenge and cost driver for this application. Among the possible magnetic layouts, block coils offer several potential advantages in terms of high conductor packing, separation between the high-field and high-stress locations, use of flat cables, and fewer parts of simple geometry. In order to experimentally assess these properties, several short models were designed, fabricated, and tested at LBNL during the last decade (HD series). In this paper, we discuss the design features and performance characteristics of Nb₃Sn block-coil dipoles in the design range of interest, in light of the experimental experience provided by the HD dipoles, and outline areas where further development is required to fully evaluate the potential of this approach for a 100-TeV collider.