Application of the ENEA Joint Concept to NbTi CIC Conductors

In superconducting coils for fusion applications, the cable-in-conduit (CIC) conductor is the most adopted solution. ENEA reported last year about a newly developed compact joint, successfully tested for ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ conductors in a configuration suitable for the EFDA Dipole which is currently in construction phase. The main advantages of this new concept are: low room occupancy, low price and easiness of manufacturing process. In the present paper, new results coming from the characterization of NbTi joint samples are presented, suggesting new applications for this innovative junction. A joint layout optimization study by means of an electrical simulation code is included as well.