The effect of transverse loads up to 300 MPa on the critical currents of Nb/sub 3/Sn cables (for LHC)

In the framework of the development of an experimental 10-T Nb/sub 3/Sn dipole coil for the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN, the effects of transverse stress on Rutherford-type Nb/sub 3/Sn cable were investigated. For this purpose a special facility was designed and put into operation in which the voltage-current behavior of short pieces of Nb/sub 3/Sn cables can be investigated in a background field of up to 11 T and an applied stress of 300 MPa. The repulsive Lorentz force of 250 kN, generated by a set of superconducting coils, is used to impress the cable over an area of 20*42 mm/sup 2/ maximum, in the presence of a transport current of up to 40 kA. The testing equipment is described, and the first results of the observed critical current degradation of two Nb/sub 3/Sn cables are discussed.