Mechanical endurance of 2223-BSCCO tapes under tensile stress and strain

The increasing feasible length of HTSC tapes, as well as improved mechanical and electrical performances, has already led to realization of superconducting power-cable prototypes. In the view of transmission cable manufacturing, the evaluation of endurance of the HTSC tapes under mechanical stress will become more and more important. In this paper, methodologies for the endurance characterization of HTSC tapes subjected to tensile stress and strain are investigated. Diagnostic properties as critical current and quantities associated with hysteresis loops are considered for the purpose of life line inference. Data refer to tests performed on 2223-BSCCO tapes. The endurance coefficient values derived from the life lines obtained under either tensile stress or strain are compared, and the relevant degradation mechanisms discussed.