Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8x Superconductor Through Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

We are studying Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2Ox (Bi-2212), a high temperature superconductor. Superconductors are used in a wide variety of high field magnetic applications. Bi-2212 is the only high temperature superconductor available as a round wire that is suitable for magnets. Bi-2212 is brittle and susceptible to mechanical damage. Our research seeks to understand why this damage occurs, and how it propagates through the material.