Tests of prototype SSC magnets

Abstract

Results are presented from tests of the third full-scale development dipole magnet for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) and from a retest of a 4.5-m model magnet of the same design mounted in an SSC cryostat. The 4.5-m magnet showed consistent quench performance between its original tests in boiling liquid helium in a vertical dewar and the current tests in forced-flow helium in a horizontal cryostat. Little or no retraining was observed over several thermal cycles. The full-length magnet required 12 quenches to train to its short-sample limit of 6800 A and displayed a reasonably stable quench plateau following training. Data are presented on quench behavior as a function of current and temperature, and on azimuthal and longitudinal loading of the coil by the support structure.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>