Low Loss Superconducting Magnets Operating at 15 - 40 K

This proposal responds to the technological challenge of design and manufacture of shielded superconducting magnets generating 3-4 T at temperatures > 15 K. An efficient ADR or AMRR system is likely to be a multistage stage system having magnets operating at different temperatures. Known superconductors that can operate at > 15 K are: 1) YBCO tapes, 2) Bi2223 wires, 3) Bi2212 wires, 4) MgB2 wires, and 5) Nb3Sn wires. Our Phase I project will have the following technical objectives: a) development and testing of high current density low loss Nb3Sn wires, b) study of AC losses of shielded HTS ADR magnets, and c) development of magnet subcomponents with low eddy current losses. We expect our work on high critical current density low AC loss Nb3Sn wires to come to a successful fruition in the Phase I, and expect our Phase II R&D to be entirely dedicated to development of shielded HTS and MgB2 magnets.

This proposal is geared towards development of light-weight low-current shielded low AC loss ADR and AMRR superconducting magnets that operate at above15 K, which NASA is currently calling for. Such magnets are key components for cooling of next generation telescopes and space astronomy missions.

Other than ADR and AMRR systems for NASA, applications of superconducting magnets operating at above 15 K include efficient motors and generators, MHD propulsion, high precision sensors and actuators, electromagnetic launch, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both in space and earthbound suites.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.