Manufacturing of bulk high-Tc superconductors

High-energy rate powder compaction techniques, like explosive and electromagnetic compaction constitute a tool to produce bulk high-T-c superconductive ceramics with unique properties. A great novelty is indicated from the subsequent mechanical processing of the densified ceramics, employed to fabricate a sound final product. Billets, rods and wires, with superconducting core and metal sheath, can be produced by various forming techniques, like wire-drawing, extrusion and profile-rolling. Bulk ceramic superconductors are used as functional elements in electromagnetic machines, such as synchronous generators, levitated bearings, flywheels and fault current limiters. An account of this deformation processing and its applications is given in the present paper. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.