Measurement of Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Cu-Nb18% Microcomposite Conductor and Its Welded Joint

Abstract

Systems generating strong magnetic fields are widely used in modern fundamental and applied research as well as in the most innovative industrial processes. These devices generate magnetic fields that reach 5–100 T and the conductors are subjected to a huge Lorentz force, so the conductor material must be extremely strong (UTS ≥ 700 MPa) and have a good specific electrical conductivity (IACS ≥ 60%). Since traditional conductors such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver cannot withstand such loads, microcomposite materials have been developed that are characterized by such high strength and good specific electrical conductivity. This paper reviews the specific electrical conductivity and specific electrical resistance characteristics of conductor and factors affecting them, methods of measuring these electrical characteristics as well as properties of Cu-Nb18% microcomposite conductor. This paper also describes the methodology for measuring the specific electrical conductivity and specific electrical resistance of the Cu-Nb18% microcomposite conductor solid and with welded joint (welded by using butt welding). The comparison of application possibilities of used methodologies and obtained characteristics was carried out.