Dynamic simulation of normal zone evolution in a superconducting composite

Abstract

A numerical procedure has been implemented to dynamically simulate the evolution of a normal zone in a superconducting composite. The model has the nucleate/film boiling heat transfer of helium, the effect of current sharing, the conduction at the zone ends, and the temperature variation of the thermal conductivity and specific heat taken into consideration. Limiting recovery current density J_L and heat flux Q_L are calculated. It was discovered that Q_L approaches 0.28 W/cm² for long zones regardless of the conductor cooling surface to cross section ratio P/A, but can be much higher for short zones.