Highly-strengthened alumina-copper alloy matrix (Nb,Ti)3Sn conductor fabricated by using the tube process

In order to fabricate a large-bore, high-field magnet which achieves a low coil weight and volume, a high strength compound superconducting wire is required. The alumina-copper strengthened [(Nb,Ti).sub.3]Sn wire which contained 30 vol.% alumina-Cu alloy fabricated by using the tube process has been developed and tested for critical current density, mechanical properties, transverse compressive stress effects and related properties. As a result, it was found that the reinforced [(Nb,Ti).sub.3]Sn wire had high transverse compressive stress tolerance, for example only 3% decrease which was 1/3 of the Cu matrix wire in [I.sub.c]/[I.sub.c0] at 60 MPa and reversibility in Ic between 0 and 200 MPa. Using the newly developed reinforced-[(Nb,Ti).sub.3]Sn wire, it will be possible to fabricate a lightweight, large-bore, high-field and compact superconducting magnet in the near future.