Analysis of High-Strain-Rate Deformation Induced Degradation of Critical Properties in Nb<sub>3</sub>Sn Superconductors

JIAN Changxu; DU Qiaoyi; DING He; XIAO Gesheng; LIU Zhifang; QIAO Li

doi:10.11858/gywlxb.20251200

Volume 40 Issue 6

Jun 2026

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Chinese Journal of High Pressure Physics > 2026 > 40(6): 064201.

JIAN Changxu, DU Qiaoyi, DING He, XIAO Gesheng, LIU Zhifang, QIAO Li. Analysis of High-Strain-Rate Deformation Induced Degradation of Critical Properties in Nb3Sn Superconductors[J]. Chinese Journal of High Pressure Physics, 2026, 40(6): 064201. doi: 10.11858/gywlxb.20251200

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JIAN Changxu, DU Qiaoyi, DING He, XIAO Gesheng, LIU Zhifang, QIAO Li. Analysis of High-Strain-Rate Deformation Induced Degradation of Critical Properties in Nb₃Sn Superconductors[J]. Chinese Journal of High Pressure Physics, 2026, 40(6): 064201. doi: 10.11858/gywlxb.20251200

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Analysis of High-Strain-Rate Deformation Induced Degradation of Critical Properties in Nb₃Sn Superconductors

doi: 10.11858/gywlxb.20251200

1.
College of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
2.
Institute of Applied Mechanics, College of Aerospace Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
3.
School of Aerospace Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China

Received Date: 15 Sep 2025
Rev Recd Date: 12 Dec 2025
Accepted Date: 22 Apr 2026

Available Online: 11 Dec 2025

Issue Publish Date: 05 Jun 2026

Abstract

Abstract

Nb₃Sn superconductors are vital for advanced applications like particle accelerators and fusion devices, yet their performance degrades irreversibly under the high-strain-rate dynamic loads encountered during quench or fast excitation. This study integrates molecular dynamics simulations, continuum mechanics, and density functional theory to unravel the underlying multiphysics coupling mechanisms. We probe the elastoplastic response, adiabatic heating from plastic work, and damage evolution in Nb₃Sn composites under high-strain-rate tension. Our analysis reveals that at cryogenic temperatures, the niobium matrix deforms via full-dislocation slip, whereas the brittle Nb₃Sn coating fractures. The associated temperature rise, driven by plastic work dissipation and accumulating with strain, synergizes with deformation-induced damage (amorphization and cracking) to severely degrade superconducting properties. These damage mechanisms cause irreversible electronic structure changes, directly impairing super-conductivity. These findings establish a deformation-thermal-damage correlation mechanism, providing a theoretical foundation for the design of resilient superconducting devices.
- Nb₃Sn composite superconductors,
- high strain rate,
- molecular dynamics,
- decoupling of elastic-plastic deformation,
- temperature rise,
- critical properties degradation

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References

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Analysis of High-Strain-Rate Deformation Induced Degradation of Critical Properties in Nb₃Sn Superconductors

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