MODELING VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION AND CURRENT LIMIT IN AG BI2SR2CAN-1CUNO2N+4/

Current and voltage distributions in Ag/Bi2Sr2Can-1CunO2n+4(BSCCO) com posites are calculated from an analytical model that is based on inter facial resistivity and geometric parameters. The model was verified by measuring the voltage distribution along Ag/Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 bars that were fabricated by sinter forging between 400-845 degrees C and 5-10 MPa. The results show that the solutions depend on a single dimensionl ess parameter, lambda L, where L is the length of the interface and la mbda is associated with resistivity of the Ag (rho(s)), interfacial re sistivity (rho(i)) between the Ag and the BSCCO, and thickness of the Ag (d(s)). The voltage drop across the interface is proportional to (r ho(i) rho(s)/d(s))(1/2). The model was extended for powder-in-tube tap es to examine the effects of cracking on critical current density. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.