Transport critical currents of Bi(2223) tapes at 77 K under mechanical stress

The transport critical current, j/sub c/, depends on the mechanical stress applied during or before the j/sub c/-determination. Two experiments with different aims were performed : a) bending of the tape tests the resistance against winding (coils, power cables); b) axial strain tests give information on the effect of forces acting on the conductor during operation. Bending of Bi(2223)/Ag tapes from a radius r=/spl infin/ to r=1 cm as well as an axial strain of about 0.2% decreases j/sub c/ by some 80%. For bent as well as for elongated tapes, we find an almost unaffected field dependence of j/sub c/, which is only on a lower j/sub c/ level due to crack formation, i.e. a reduction of the percolation path. The strong j/sub c/ reduction can be avoided by reinforcement of the sheath material by dispersion hardening with 2% Mg. The j/sub c/ decrease after bending in these improved tapes is only some 20%, the maximum axial strain tolerance about 0.8%. The yield of the reinforced tapes is 300-350 MPa, which is more than 5 times the value for Ag sheathed tapes.