Mechanical properties of epoxy impregnated superconducting solenoids

The mechanical properties of epoxy impregnated coils are critical to proper stress analysis of high field superconducting magnets. In order to identify the engineering properties of coil composites, mechanical test specimens of epoxy impregnated coil windings are prepared. The samples consist of multiple layers of superconductor separated with interlayer insulation and are epoxy impregnated. Mechanical tests are performed at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperature. Orthotropic elastic properties are measured for the composite and used for mechanical analyses. Properties in a direction longitudinal to the conductor (hoop direction) are measured in tension. The compression modulus is measured for properties transverse to the conductor, representing radial and axial directions.