2-D simulation of quench propagation for force-flow conductors (for NET)

A method for the study of the propagation of quench in the cross section of a superconducting coil wound using force-coded conductors is presented. The method is based on a detailed 2-D finite-element solution of the temperature distribution in the cross section of several adjacent conductors, taking into account the local Joule heat generation. Coolant flow through the conductor has also been modeled in an approximate way. The method has been applied to the analysis of a quench propagation experiment performed on the EU-LCT coil and to the prediction of the transversal quench propagation velocity (turn to turn or pancake to pancake) in a typical NET (Next European Torus) TF or PF conductor.