Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Large Single Domain GdBaCuO Superconductor With Low Void Density

We fabricated large single domain of GdBaCuO (Gd-123) densified superconductor with a seeding and temperature gradient method in oxygen at the melt stage then in air at the growth stage for future applications such as a superconducting flywheel for energy storage system, magnetic separation, and a bulk magnet. The innovative melt-textured single domain of Gd-123 system superconductor was about 46 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness. Gd-123 densified superconductors are expected to have high $Jc$ and trapped field properties with higher mechanical strength. We discussed mechanical properties such as the bending stress, the hardness and the surface roughness of the Gd-123 bulk for improving the strength of Gd-123 bulks.