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Thermomechanical Processing of Nb for Improved Superconductor Applications

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Energy 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
61810 		Program Year/Program:
2003 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
72559B03-I 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Shear Form, Inc
207 Dellwood St. Bryan, TX -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2003
Title: Thermomechanical Processing of Nb for Improved Superconductor Applications
Agency: DOE
Contract: DE-FG02-02ER83520
Award Amount: $99,280.00
 

Abstract:

72559B03-I For Nb-based superconductor applications, prior work has indicated that if the starting Nb configuration (rod, plate, sheet, or tube) has large grain size, a nonuniform grain size, or significant texture gradients, then the resulting multi-filamentary conductors will have a lower critical current due to fabrication limitations (such as filament size) or such difficulties as filament sausaging. Recent experiments on one-square-inch-cross-section bars have shown that equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) can be effective not only in reducing the grain sizes but also in homogenizing the micro structure of re-melted Nb. This project will demonstrate that the same technology is effective in processing large diameter (up to 8-inch diameter) commercially fabricated billets. Phase I will demonstrate the scale-up of ECAE processing technology on four-square-inch-cross-section re-melted Nb billets with existing equipment. The scale-up will be assessed by comparing micro-hardness, recrystallized grain size, and microstructural uniformity results on 0.56 , 1, and 4 square-inch-cross-section billets. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The ECAE technology should lead to the preparation of better starting pure Nb for Nb3Sn superconductors.

Principal Investigator:

Robert E. Barber
9797757313
rbarber@cox-internet.com

Business Contact:

K.t. Harwig
9796934102
kthartwig@cox-internet.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Shear Form
2805 Brothers Blvd. College Station, TX 77845

EIN/Tax ID: 550812265
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No