FABRICATION OF METAL HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTOR COMPOSITES BY SHOCK COMPRESSION

By combining techniques of explosive welding and cladding and shock wave compaction and consolidation of powders, a fabrication technology has been developed for consolidating, bonding, and encapsulating reactive and temperamental copper oxide-based high-Tc superconducting powders in a supporting metal matrix. These ceramic superconductor/metal matrix composites have unique features as precursors to a range of superconductor devices and applications. The fabrication strategy utilizes a concept of prototype manufacturing where processed superconductors are characterized and tested to optimize the process variables and reliable behavior. This strategy may lead to early commercialization and applications for the new high-Tc oxide superconductors.