An equation for the quench propagation velocity valid for high field magnet use of REBCO coated conductors

TL;DR

This paper derives a practical formula for the normal zone propagation velocity in REBCO coated conductors under high magnetic fields, enhancing understanding of quench behavior in high-field magnets.

Contribution

It introduces a new analytical expression for the propagation velocity and current sharing temperature, accounting for experimental results and highlighting the dominant role of operating current.

Findings

Propagation velocity mainly depends on operating current

The formula aligns with experimental data in high magnetic fields

Provides a fundamental understanding of quench dynamics in REBCO conductors

Abstract

Based on a study of the thermophysical properties, we derived a practical formula for the normal zone propagation velocity appropriate for REBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-x}$ coated conductors in high magnetic fields. An analytical expression to evaluate the current sharing temperature as a function of the operating conditions is also proposed. The presented study has allowed us to account for experimental results not fully understood in the framework of the models widely used in the literature. In particular, we provided a fundamental understanding of the experimental evidence that the normal zone propagation velocity in REBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-x}$ coated conductors can be mainly determined by the operating current, regardless of the applied field and temperature.