Bi-based HTS insert coils at high stress levels

Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 conductors from commercial sources are wound into double pancakes using the react and wind approach. One of the Bi-2223 conductors as supplied is reinforced with stainless steel strips. I-V characterization at 4.2 K until failure of the pancakes, in a 19 T-0.17 m cold bore magnet assembly, is performed. This gives insight in the operational limits of these conductors in conditions representative of insert magnets. The results are compared to the linear stress-strain properties of the conductors. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.