3D Modelling and Validation of the Optimal Pitch in Commercial CORC Cables

Conductor on a rounded core (CORC®) cables with current densities beyond 300 A/mm-2 at 4.2 K, and a capacity to retain around 90 % of critical current after bending to a diameter of 3.5 cm, make them a strong candidate for high field power applications and magnets. In this paper, we present a full 3D-FEM model based upon the so-called H-formulation for commercial CORC® cables manufactured by Advanced Conductor Technologies LLC. The model presented consists of tapes ranging from 1 up to 3 SuperPower 4mm-width tapes in 1 single layer and at multiple pitch angles. By varying the twist pitch, local electromagnetic characteristics such as the current density distribution along the length and width are visualized. Measurements of macroscopical quantities such as AC-losses are disclosed in comparison with available experimental measurements. We particularly focused on the influence of the twist pitch by comparing the efficiency and performance of multiple cables, critically assessing the optimal twist pitch angle.