Experimental and analytical studies on mechanical behavior of superconducting coil for SMES

The mechanical behavior of a superconducting coil is important for improving the stability and reducing the mechanical losses of SMES. Mechanical displacements of a model coil for 1 kWh experimental SMES (ESK) are measured and compared with analytical results using 2D FEM. Nonlinear behaviors, such as friction and sliding between conductors and spacers are considered in this model. The preliminary stress condition caused by refrigeration is also considered. The results of this analysis show a good agreement with the experimentally observed ones.