STRENGTH VERSUS CONDUCTIVITY

In the development of conductors for high-field coils one has to find a compromise between high strength (to withstand the Lorentz force) an d high conductivity (longer pulse time, minimal power, energy and volu me required). The design of coils is a non-linear process that is part ly based on educated guesses guided by trial and error. Based on the c oncept of the ''current carrying capability'' a simple scheme for opti mal choice of wire for the relatively simple cases of energy limited c oils (or the innermost parts of power limited coils) is developed. On basis of this criterion, the optimal direction of research on new wire s or materials is determined.