Evaluation of critical current based on a new transition concept

The critical current of high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes depends on temperature, magnetic field, and flux angle against the tape. Analyzing the performance of an HTS coil relies on the critical current equation, which has these dependencies. To date, the critical current equation has been obtained by fitting the measured data. However, this fitting method requires the time-consuming and laborious work of measuring the tapes. In this study, based on a new transition concept in applying a magnetic field, we show how to obtain the critical current equation, while keeping the temperature constant. From the wave function of the Cooper pair which distributes along a magnetic flux quantum, a wave function at the transition state is obtained; this yields the wave functions with perpendicular and parallel magnetic components against the tape. Combining these wave functions yields the conclusive critical current density equation. To confirm the accuracy of this equation, used Bi-2223/Ag tapes, it was compared with the measured critical current under various magnetic fields and flux angles; it was found that they agree well. The parameters of this equation can be obtained by measuring the perpendicular/parallel critical magnetic field component. This equation does not require fitting the measured data, therefore, it can be employed with any Bi-2223/Ag tape.