This project deals with a novel method of fabricating ceramic oxide-metal (silver) superconducting composite using explosive shock wave propagation technique. The advantage of this technique is that it does not involve significant heating (<100oC). Mixtures of silver powder and yttrium-barium-copper-oxygen powder of different fractions will be consolidated and encapsulated in silver into bars. These will be drawn/rolled to wires and subsequently heat treated. The processed components and precursors will be examined for Meissner effect (diamagnetic response) and transition temperature. Magnetization studies and superconducting current transport studies will be made in collaboration with the Los Alamos National Laboratories.
