Consideration on Contact Mechanism of YBaCuO Bulk Superconductor with Deposited Metal Layer

A persistent current switch (PCS) is used for superconducting applications, such as superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system. The authors have proposed a mechanical switch of Y-BaCu-O (YBCO) bulk as a mechanical PCS. In previous study, the authors have successfully reduced a residual resistance by depositing with metal on contact surface. This paper focused on a current carrying area (called a-spot) on contact surface and presented an effect of deposited metal on electrical contact characteristics in order to clear the contact mechanism. As the results of experiments and simulation using FEM, it became clear that it was effective for reducing the residual resistance from a view point of increasing the a-spot by depositing with metal. key words: YBCO, persistent current switch, contact resistance, metal deposition, finite element method