Project objectives
This project aims to study, characterize and optimize REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) superconducting tapes, which are currently the best candidates for high critical temperature (SHT) applications. The aim is to improve their mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic properties to guarantee their performance and reliability in extreme environments, notably for future fusion reactors and other high-energy applications.
Scientific background
Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two light nuclei unite to form a heavier nucleus, releasing an immense amount of energy. Inspired by the process at the heart of stars, it is considered a sustainable and clean source of energy.
Superconductors, such as REBCO tapes, play a crucial role in generating the magnetic fields needed to confine and stabilize plasma at extreme temperatures in fusion reactors, enabling optimum conditions for the reaction to be achieved.
Scientific and technological challenges
Understanding the behavior of REBCO ribbons
Under different conditions of temperature, magnetic field and mechanical stress.
Optimize their multilayer architecture
To maximize conductivity and resistance to intense forces.
Create a database of material properties
Accessible to the scientific and industrial community.
Developing predictive models
To help design future superconducting magnets that are more efficient and robust.
Partners involved
This project is being carried out in collaboration with several laboratories and research centers
CNRS (LNCMI, Institut Néel)
Electromagnetic and thermal characterization
University of Lorraine (GREEN)
Mechanical design and integration of ribbons into electrical systems
CEA (IRFU, IRIG)
Large-scale testing and integration in cryogenic environments
University of Caen Normandie (CRISMAT)
Structural analysis and materials development
Grenoble Alpes University (G2Elab)
Modeling and optimization of superconductors
Project challenges
Understanding and modeling the properties of REBCO ribbons
REBCO ribbons have great potential, but their properties under extreme conditions (intense magnetic fields, low temperatures, mechanical stress) remain poorly characterized. Without this detailed understanding, it will be impossible to design reliable conductors for fusion. SF-Tape must therefore establish a robust database and develop predictive multi-physics models to control their behavior.
Stabilizing and optimizing a key material
The performance of REBCO ribbons varies from one manufacturer to another, and even within the same batch, making them unsuitable for critical applications. SF-Tape must identify and reduce these fluctuations, optimize their architecture and define rigorous selection and improvement criteria, to guarantee a homogeneous, controlled material.
Ensuring compatibility with industrial requirements
Today, REBCO ribbons do not yet meet the requirements of industrialization: high cost, variability of performance, compatibility with assembly processes. SF-Tape must establish quality control standards, propose adjustments to manufacturing processes and lay the foundations for large-scale production, a prerequisite for the development of future superconducting conductors and magnets.
Methodology and approach
01
Advanced materials characterization
Mechanical analysis (strength, deformation under stress, ageing).
Thermal study (conductivity, stability under cooling).
Electromagnetic tests (current-carrying capacity, response under high magnetic field).
02
Multi-physics modeling and simulation
Development of numerical tools to predict ribbon performance.
Experimental validation of models with laboratory tests.
03
Ribbon optimization and customization
Comparative studies of ribbons from different suppliers.
Development of recommendations to improve manufacturing processes.