Performance evolution of Nb/sub 3/Sn cable-in-conduit conductors under cyclic load [for Tokamaks]

Two subsize, Nb/sub 3/Sn cable-in-conduit conductors, are tested as short samples in the SULTAN test facility. Transverse load is applied by sweeping up and down the operating current in high background field. A serious performance loss of I/sub c/ and n-factor is observed upon cyclic load, with a drop of the critical current, I/sub c/, larger than 30%. The results are critically discussed and compared to similar findings from the literature. The impact of the cyclic load on the Nb/sub 3/Sn CICC performance must be carefully evaluated in the magnet design.