DTU Studieprojekt - Improving the performance of MgB2 superconductors

Improving the performance of MgB2 superconductors

Udbyder
Vejleder
Sted
København og omegn
Background
The development of superconducting MgB2 wires has reached a level that enables their use in a few niche applications like for example MRI magnet systems. However, in order to exploit the full potential of this material, further improvements of its critical current density (jc) are necessary, especially under working conditions involving high magnetic fields. This can be achieved by improving the microstructure of MgB2 polycrystalline ceramics, engineering defects at the nanometer scale or tuning some superconducting parameters of MgB2 by suitable doping. An ideal solution would be to do all simultaneously.

The aim of this project is to explore the possibility of achieving these goals by using an additive consisting of a nickel-based metalorganic salt, which could be used as a carbon source, while the released nickel can potentially improve the density of the MgB2 ceramic and result in the formation of nano-inclusions.

During this project you are going to:
-Manufacture MgB2 superconductors in the form of bulk polycrystalline samples with advanced additives that you will have synthesized.

-Conduct microstructural characterization of your samples by means of X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy.

-Perform magnetization measurements at cryogenic temperatures to evaluate the superconducting performance of your samples.

-Analyze your experimental results using state of the art theoretical models.

Learning objectives:
At the end of this project you will be able to:

-Fabricate superconducting MgB2 ceramic samples.

-Use various experimental characterization tools (X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, magnetization measurements) and explain their basic principles as well as limitations.

-Critically evaluate your results.

-Draw links between microstructure and performance.

-Perform an efficient literature search and compare your own results to published data.

-Present your results to a scientific audience under conditions equivalent to an international conference.

-Write the draft of a scientific publication.

Contact: Jean-Claude Grivel (jean@dtu.dk) – DTU Energy, building 301

Kontakt
Virksomhed/organisation
DTU Energi

Navn
Jean-Claude Grivel

Stilling
Seniorforsker

Mail
jean@dtu.dk

Vejleder-info
Bachelor i General Engineering
Vejleder
Jean-Claude Grivel

ECTS-point
15 - 20

Type
Bachelorprojekt