Current distribution in multistrand superconducting cables — experimental methods and results

It is widely acknowledged that current non-uniformity is a major source of reduction of quench currents in superconducting multistrand cables at non-steady state conditions. Recently we performed several experimental studies on the current non-uniformity in CICC and AC cables. In this paper we present the summary of the experimental methods used. Indirect methods with use of local magnetic field sensors can provide general information about non-uniformity inside CICCs and other large size cables. Indirect methods may be used in real superconducting devices. Direct measurements of the current in each strand provide exact information about the current distribution, but they need special sample preparations. Because no method is perfect, the best idea is to use them as complementary to each other in the study of a certain type of a cable. The results obtained from the measurements of the current non-uniformity in CICC and AC cables by both methods are briefly discussed.