AC transport losses in multifilamentary (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox/Ag tapes

The results of ac transport losses measurements are presented for multifila mentary HTSC composite Bi-2223/Ag tapes with the number of filaments N=7, 1 9, 37, 61, 91, 127, 169, and 703. The measurements have been made under the self-field conditions as well as in a constant magnetic field applied to t he tapes at different angles. The dependence of AC losses on the amplitude and frequency of the alternating transport current have been obtained. It i s found that the dependence of the AC losses on the current amplitudes for all the tapes are in accord with the Norris theoretical predictions for an elliptical or strip geometry of the wire. The external magnetic field incre ases the magnitude of the AC losses. It is concluded that transport AC loss es in multifilamentary HTSC composites are "saturation losses.'' (C) 1999 A merican Institute of Physics. [S1063-777X(99)00202-9].