Moldable Ceramic Putty for High Field Magnet Applications

During the assembly and winding of A15 high field magnets, gaps between the cable and supporting parts frequently arise. New, insulating ceramic putties are being developed that can fill these gaps to fully support the superconducting cable. The compounds can be molded by hand and pressed into small gaps or spaces within a magnet that will harden into a strong, net-shaped formed insulating support piece. Since the materials are 100% inorganic, they can withstand the extreme temperatures of the high temperature heat treatment and the cryogenic operation without contaminating the magnet. Typical applications are discussed as well as electrical, strength, and thermal expansion data.