A New Experimental Setup to Measure the Critical Current of Nb$_{{\text{3}}}$Sn Wires at 4.2 K Imposing a Controlled Transverse Deformation

Abstract

In the framework of studies on high-field magnets for future accelerators, a specific project called ASTRACT focuses on the effect of transverse strain on the critical current of Nb $_{{\text{3}}}$ Sn wires. The project aims to design, manufacturing and testing a sample-holder to impose a controlled sub-micrometric transverse deformation of the Nb $_{{\text{3}}}$ Sn wire during the critical current measurement at 4.2 K, in liquid helium. In the present paper we discuss the solutions adopted to measure and control the deformation, the design as well as the essential steps to characterize the critical current as a function of the transverse deformation.