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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

The NASA high temperature superconductivity program

It has been recognized from the onset that high temperature superconductivity held great promise for major advances across a broad range of NASA interests. The current effort is organized around four key areas: communications and data, sensors and cryogenics, propulsion and power, and space materials technology. Recently, laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) films on LaAIO produced far superior RF characteristics when compared to metallic films on the same substrate. This achievement has enabled a number of unique microwave device applications, such as low insertion loss phase shifters and high Q filters. Melt texturing and melt quenched techniques are being used to produce bulk materials with optimized magnetic properties. These yttrium enriched materials possess enhanced flux pinning characteristics and will lead to prototype cryocooler bearings. Significant progress has also occurred in bolometer and current lead technology. Studies are being conducted to evaluate the effect of high temperature superconducting materials on the performance and life of high power magneto-plasma-dynamic thrusters. Extended studies were also performed to evaluate the benefit of superconducting magnetic energy storage for LEO space station, lunar and Mars mission applications. The project direction and level of effort of the program are also described.

Sokoloski, Martin M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The low magnetic field properties of superconducting bulk yttrium barium copper oxide - Sintered versus partially melted material

A comparison of the low magnetic field properties of sintered (990 C) and partially melted samples (1050 C) has been performed. Changes in the microstructure produced by recrystallization from the melt result in a significant increase in flux pinning at 77 K. Low-frequency (10-100 Hz), low-ac magnetic-field (0.01-9.0 Oe) ac susceptibility data show that gross changes in the loss component accompany the observed changes in microstructure. The effects of applied dc magnetic fields (10-220 Oe) on the ac responses of these microstructures have also been probed.

Hein, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Lateral restoring force on a magnet levitated above a superconductor

The lateral restoring force on a magnet levitated above a superconductor is calculated as a function of displacement from its original position at rest using Bean's critical-state model to describe flux pinning. The force is linear for small displacements and saturates at large displacements. In the absence of edge effects the force always attracts the magnet to its original position. Thus it is a restoring force that contributes to the stability of the levitated magnet. In the case of a thick superconductor slab, the origin of the force is a magnetic dipole layer consisting of positive and negative supercurrents induced on the trailing side of the magnet. The qualitative behavior is consistent with experiments reported to date. Effects due to the finite thickness of the superconductor slab and the granular nature of high-Tc materials are also considered.

Davis, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Synthesis and superconducting properties of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O films

Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconducting films were synthesized by sputtering either from a single target or from two oxide targets in a symmetric configuration. Films with zero resistance Tc of up to 122 K were obtained after various postannealing treatments at 870-950 C under an oxygen atmosphere. The composition of the films is not very homogeneous on the submicrometer scale. The critical current of these films at 77 K is in the 1000 A/sq cm to 10,000 A/sq cm range, which is much smaller than that of films prepared on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 substrates. The low critical current density in these films is probably due to the granularity in the films. The morphology, structure, and magnetic and superconducting properties of the films were studied. Films prepared by two different sputtering techniques have similar results which depend mostly on the film compositions and their annealing conditions. It is found that the induced magnetic flux in the film decreases rapidly with increasing temperature, indicating weak flux pinning.

Liou, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Effect of shock pressure on the structure and superconducting properties of Y-Ba-Cu-O in explosively fabricated bulk metal-matrix composites

While it is now well established that copper-oxide-based power, or virtually any other ceramic superconductor powder, can be consolidated and encapsulated within a metal matrix by explosive consolidation, the erratic superconductivity following fabrication has posed a major problem for bulk applications. The nature of this behavior was found to arise from microstructural damage created in the shock wave front, and the residual degradation in superconductivity was demonstrated to be directly related to the peak shock pressure. The explosively fabricated or shock loaded YBa2Cu3Ox examples exhibit drastically altered rho (or R) - T curves. The deterioration in superconductivity is even more noticeable in the measurement of ac magnetic susceptibility and flux exclusion or shielding fraction which is also reduced in proportion to increasing peak shock pressure. The high frequency surface resistance (in the GHz range) is also correspondingly compromised in explosively fabricated, bulk metal-matrix composites based on YBa2Cu3O7. Transmission electron microscopy (including lattice imaging techniques) is being applied in an effort to elucidate the fundamental (microstructural) nature of the shock-induced degradation of superconductivity and normal state conductivity. One focus of TEM observations has assumed that oxygen displaced from b-chains rather than oxygen-vacancy disorder in the basal plane of oxygen deficient YBa2Cu3Ox may be a prime mechanism. Shock-wave displaced oxygen may also be locked into new positions or interstitial clusters or chemically bound to displaced metal (possibly copper) atoms to form precipitates, or such displacements may cause the equivalent of local lattice cell changes as a result of stoichiometric changes. While the shock-induced suppression of T(sub c) is not desirable in the explosive fabrication of bulk metal-matrix superconductors, it may be turned into an advantage if the atomic-scale distortion can be understood and controlled as local flux pinning sites.

Murr, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Progress of research of high-Tc superconductors

Research in the area of of high T(sub c) superconductors has made great progress in the last few years. New materials were found and the systematic investigation of these materials has contributed to understanding the mechanism of high T(sub c) superconductivity. The critical currents in thin films, bulks, and tapes increased drastically, and the origin of flux pinning will be clarified in the near future. The future of high T(sub c) superconductivity, in both the basic and applied research areas, is very optimistic. Recent activities in research of high T(sub c) superconductivity and superconductors in Japan are overviewed.

Tanaka, Shoji↗
NASA NTRS1991

Prospects and progress of high Tc superconductivity for space applications

Current research in the area of high temperature superconductivity is organized around four key areas: communications and data, sensors and cryogenics, propulsion and power, and space materials technology. Recently, laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) films on LaAlO3 produced far superior RF characteristics when compared to metallic films on the same substrate. The achievement has enabled a number of unique microwave device applications, such as low insertion loss phase shifters and high-Q filters. Melt texturing and melt-quenched techniques are being used to produce bulk material with optimized magnetic properties. These yttrium-enriched materials possess enhanced flux pinning characteristics and could lead to prototype cryocooler bearings. Significant progress has also occurred in bolometer and current lead technology. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of high temperature superconducting materials on the performance and life of high power magnetoplasma-dynamic thrusters. Extended studies were also performed to evaluate the benefit of superconducting magnetic energy storage for LEO space station, lunar, and Mars mission applications.

Romanofsky, Robert R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Hybrid Superconducting Magnetic Bearing (HSMB) for high load devices

Lifting capacities greater than 41 N/cm(exp 2) (60 psi) at 77 K have been achieved with a new type of levitation (hybrid) using a combination of permanent magnets and high quality melt-mixtured YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) (YBCO). The key concept of the hybrid superconducting magnetic bearing (HSMB) is the use of strong magnetic repulsion and attraction from permanent magnets for high levitation or suspension forces in conjunction with a superconductor's flux pinning characteristics to counteract the inherent instabilities in a system consisting of magnets only. To illustrate this concept, radial and axial forces between magnet/superconductor, magnet/magnet, and magnet/superconductor/magnet, were measured and compared for the thrust bearing configuration

Mcmichael, C. K.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Diminishing sign anomaly and scaling behavior of the mixed-state Hall resistivity in Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 films containing columnar defects

The issues of sign reversal of the Hall voltage and scaling between longitudinal (rho(xx)) and Hall (rho(xy)) resistivities are studied in Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 films in which the vortex dynamics is drastically changed by flux pinning at heavy-ion-irradiation-induced linear defects. While the sign anomaly diminishes with increasing defect concentration, the power law rho(xy) is approximately equal to rho(xx) exp beta, beta = 1.85 +/- 0.1, holds even after irradiation. This result shows that the scaling is a universal feature of the mixed state in this system. The sign anomaly, on the other hand, is not consistent with a model that invokes pinning-induced backflow in the vortex core as the mechanism for this effect.

Budhani, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Angular dependence of critical current density and magnetoresistance of sputtered high-T(sub c)-films

The angular dependence of the critical current density and the magnetoresistance of high-T(sub c)-films in high and low magnetic fields and for different temperatures were measured to investigate the flux pinning and the superconducting properties. A comparison of the results for the different superconductors shows their increasing dependence on the angle Theta between the magnetic field and the c-axis of the film due to the anisotropy of the chosen superconductor. Furthermore the influence of the current direction to the Theta-rotation plane is discussed.

Geerkens, A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Improvement of critical current density in thallium-based (Tl,Bi)Sr(1.6)Ba(0.4)Ca2Cu3O(x) superconductors

Epitaxial (Tl,Bi)Sr(1.6)Ba(0.4)Ca2Cu3O(x) ((Tl,Bi)-1223) thin films on (100) single crystal LaAlO3 substrates were synthesized by a two-step procedure. Phase development, microstructure, and relationships between film and substrate were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Resistance versus temperature, zero-field-cooled and field cooled magnetization, and transport critical current density (J(sub c)) were measured. The zero-resistance temperature was 105-111 K. J(sub c) at 77 K and zero field was greater than 2 x 10(exp 6) A/sq cm. The films exhibited good flux pinning properties.

Ren, Z. F.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Rotordynamic Characterization of a Hybrid Superconductor Magnet Bearing

A hybrid superconductor magnet bearing uses magnetic forces between permanent magnets to provide lift and the flux pinning force between permanent magnets and superconductors to stabilize against instabilities intrinsic to the magnetic force between magnets. We have constructed a prototype kinetic energy storage system, using a hybrid superconductor magnet bearing to support a 42 lb. flywheel at the center. With five sensors on the periphery of the flywheel, we have monitored the position and attitude of the flywheel during its spin down. The results indicate low values of stiffnesses for the bearing. The implications of this and other consequences will be discussed.

Ma, Ki B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Particle Engulfment and Pushing Micro-Gravity Experiments and Mathematical Modeling

The phenomenon of interaction of particles with solid-liquid interfaces that results in particle engulfment or pushing (PEP) has been Studied since mid 1960's. While the original interest stemmed from geology applications (frost heaving in soil), it was recognized early that understanding particle behavior at solidifying interfaces mi ht yield 9 practical benefits in other fields. In metallurgical applications the issue is the location of particles with respect to grain boundaries at the end of solidification. Considerable amount of experimental and theoretical research was lately focused on applications to metal matrix composites produced by casting; or spray forming techniques. Another application of PEP is in the growing of Y1Ba2CU3O7-delta(123) superconductor crystals from an undercooled liquid. The oxide melt contains Y2Ba1CU1O5 (211) precipitates, which act as flux pinning sites. The paper presents results of PEP micro-gravity research performed by the authors on two shuttle missions using metallic and polymeric materials. In addition. a discussion on the theoretical aspects of the physics of PEP is offered. Analytical and numerical models for planar solidification interfaces developed by the authors are used to explain the experimental results. Shortcomings of steady-state models are emphasized. A numerical model that includes the effect of the solutal field and of natural convection is introduced. A discussion of phenomena associated with dendritic solidification based on experimental observations is also offered. A mechanism of engulfment is proposed.

Stefanescu, Doru M.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Particle Engulfment and Pushing by Solidifying Interfaces

The phenomenon of interaction of particles with solid-liquid interfaces (SLI) has been studied since mid 1960's. While the original interest stemmed from geology applications (frost heaving in soil), researchers soon realized that fundamental understanding of particles behavior at solidifying interfaces might yield practical benefits in other fields, including metallurgy. In materials engineering the main issue is the location of particles with respect to grain boundaries at the end of solidification. Considerable experimental and theoretical research was lately focused on applications to metal matrix composites produced by casting or spray forming techniques, and on inclusion management in steel. Another application of particle SLI interaction is in the growing of Y1Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) (123) superconductor crystals from an undercooled liquid. The oxide melt contains Y2Ba1Cu1O5 (211) precipitates, which act as flux pinning sites.

Stefanescu, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Superconductor-Magnet Bearings With Inherent Stability and Velocity-Independent Drag Torque

A hybrid superconductor magnet bearing system has been developed based on passive magnetic levitation and the flux pinning effect of high-temperature superconductivity. The rationale lies in the unique capability of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) to enhance system stability passively without power consumption. Characterization experiments have been conducted to understand its dynamic behavior and to estimate the required motor torque for its driving system design. These experiments show that the hybrid HTS-magnet bearing system has a periodic oscillation of drag torque due mainly to the nonuniform magnetic field density of permanent magnets. Furthermore, such a system also suffers from a small superimposed periodic oscillation introduced by the use of multiple HTS disks rather than a uniform annulus of HTS material. The magnitude of drag torque is velocity independent and very small. These results make this bearing system appealing for high-speed application. Finally, design guidelines for superconducting bearing systems are suggested based on these experimental results.

Lee, Eun-Jeong↗
NASA NTRS2001

Particle Engulfment and Pushing By Solidifying Interfaces

The phenomenon of interaction of particles with solid-liquid interfaces (SLI) has been studied since the mid 1960's. While the original interest stemmed from geology applications (frost heaving in soil), researchers soon realized that fundamental understanding of particles behavior at solidifying interfaces might yield practical benefits in other fields, including metallurgy. In materials engineering the main issue is the location of particles with respect to grain boundaries at the end of solidification. Considerable experimental and theoretical research was lately focused on applications to metal matrix composites produced by casting or spray forming techniques, and on inclusion management in steel. Another application of particle SLI interaction is in the growing of Y1Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) (123) superconductor crystals from an undercooled liquid. The oxide melt contains Y2Ba1Cu1O5 (211) precipitates, which act as flux pinning sites. The experimental evidence on transparent organic materials, as well as the recent in situ observations on steel demonstrates that there exist a critical velocity of the planar SLI below which particles are pushed ahead of the interface, and above which particles are engulfment. The engulfment of a SiC particle in succinonitrile is exemplified. However, in most commercial alloys dendritic interfaces must be considered. Indeed, most data available on metallic alloys are on dendritic structures. The term engulfment is used to describe incorporation of a particle by a planar or cellular interface as a result of local interface perturbation, as opposed to entrapment that implies particle incorporation at cells or dendrites boundaries. During entrapment the particles are pushed in the intercellular or interdendritic regions and then captured when local solidification occurs. The physics of these two phenomena is fundamentally different.

Stefanescu, Doru M.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Particle Engulfment and Pushing (PEP): Past Micro-Gravity Experiments and Future Experimental Plan on the International Space Station (ISS)

The interaction of an insoluble particle with a growing solid-liquid interface (SLI) has been a subject of investigation for the four decades. For a metallurgist or a material scientist understanding the fundamental physics of such an interaction is relevant for applications that include distribution of reinforcement particles in metal matrix composites, inclusion management in castings, and distribution of Y2Ba1Cu1O5 (211) precipitates (flux pinning sites) in Y1Ba2Cu3O7 (123) superconducting crystals. The same physics is also applicable to other areas including geological applications (frost heaving in soils) and preservation of biological cells. Experimentally this interaction can be quantified in terms of a critical growth velocity, Vcr, of the SLI below which particles are pushed ahead of the advancing interface, and above which the particles are engulfed. Past experimental evidence suggests that this Vcr is an inverse function of the particle radius, R. In order to isolate the fundamental physics that governs such a relationship it is necessary to minimize natural convection at the SLI that is inherent in ground based experiments. Hence for the purpose of producing benchmark data (Vcr vs. R) PEP is a natural candidate for micro-gravity experimentation. Accordingly, experiments with pure Al containing a dispersion of ZrO2 particles and an organic analogue, succinonitrile (SCN) containing polystyrene particles have been performed on the LMS and USMP-4 mission respectively. In this paper we will summarize the experimental data that was obtained during these two micro-gravity missions and show that the results differ compared to terrestrial experiments. We will also discuss the basic elements of our analytical and numerical model and present a comparison of the predictions of these models against micro-gravity experimental data. Finally. we will discuss our future experimental plan that includes the ISS glovebox and MSRRl.

Sen, Subhayu↗
NASA NTRS1991

The magnitude of the magnetic field near the surface of a high-T(sub c) superconductor with a trapped flux

In 1986, much excitement was caused by the discovery of a class of materials that conducted electricity with zero resistance at temperatures above the boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen. This excitement was checked by the difficulties of manufacturing ceramics and the usefulness of high temperature superconductors that were restricted by their becoming high resistive conductors at small current densities. A lack of pinning of the magnetic field flux caused the return of high resistance as the current was increased in these materials. A study of the magnetic field near the surface of a high temperature superconductor is the first step in the search for a means of pinning the flux lines and increasing their critical current densities. The author found that a comparison between the defects in the surface of the superconductor and the magnetic field showed only a change in the field near the notch and the edge. No correlation was found between the surface grain or structure and the oscillations in the magnetic field. The observed changes in the magnetic field show resonances which may give an indication of the non-flux pinning in these superconductors. A flux pinning mechanism will increase the critical current densities; therefore, other methods of determining this field should be tried. The author proposes using a flux gate magnetometer with a detector wound on a ferrite core to measure the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field.

Overcash, Dan R.↗