Multifaceted progress in high-field superconducting magnet mechanics

High-field superconducting magnets are poised to revolutionize technologies, including particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and fusion reactors.They stand at the frontier of superconductor innovation.Nb 3 Sn wires, which operate at cold temperatures, along with rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) coated conductors that include rare earth elements like Y, Gd, and Dy, are gaining preference.Their high electrical efficiency in strong magnetic fields makes them particularly attractive for such advanced applications.The performance of these magnets relies heavily on their ability to superconduct, a feature shaped by a complex and interrelated electromagnetic behavior.This behavior is influenced by the critical temperature, the magnetic field strength, and the current density.High-field magnets encounter challenging conditions, including assembly-related stresses, changes due to heat expansion and cooling, and electromagnetic forces -these pressures are much more intense than what regular magnets face.For example, highfield superconducting magnets reaching power of 100 T endure structural stresses that can surpass 40 times the pressure found at the deepest point of the ocean, in the Mariana Trench.Under such extreme conditions, the superconductor may become overly strained, greatly increasing the chance of failure.The durability of these magnets is also shaped by factors such as the potential for the epoxy to crack, the conductors to buckle or separate from layers, and the materials to wear out.A thorough and methodical evaluation of the stress and strain on high-field magnets is crucial for their design, safe operation, and future evolution.In this special issue, leading research teams explore the mechanical obstacles related to REBCO and Nb 3 Sn high-field magnets.