This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will illustrate the relative and absolute importance of materials and process hardening on the superconducting performance and microstructure of Bi-2223 composite tape using a fundamental approach and a simple conceptual framework. Commercially viable high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire must have high Jc performance and low cost. This project will develop a novel deformation processing scheme. If successful, this firm will produce an innovative deformation process that provides the benefits of pressing while maintaining the cost advantages of rolling. Successful completion of this project will have broad impact on all HTS conductor applications, and especially those that require long and continuous lengths with high Jc performance. HTS applications have a multi-billion dollar market potential in products integral to electric power generation, distribution, transportation, machinery, energy storage and other uses for both military and commercial systems. Specific HTS systems and components include power transmission cables, motors, generators, fault current limiters, and transformers.
