Numerical analysis of flux diffusion into high-T/sub c/ superconducting tapes carrying AC transport currents

A numerical approach for analyzing the mechanism of flux motion inside high-T/sub c/ superconducting (HTS) tapes is presented. The approach is based on a 2-dimensional numerical model which simulates Ag-sheathed HTS tapes carrying ac transport currents in terms of a diffusion process. The HTS tape is treated as a highly nonlinear conductor with its conductivity being specified by a power law E-J characteristic. Using this model, a number of cases with different values of ac transport current have been investigated. Results show that the model provides sufficient descriptions and account for the flux creep and flux flow regimes in HTS tapes.