Chemical Kinetics in Magnesium Diboride Superconducting Splice Interface

Project description

Complexity of superconducting splicing, particularly using unreacted magnesium diboride (MgB2) conductors, renders it unsuitable for commercial MRI magnet applications. Addressing this, the project aims to develop efficient splicing technology using reacted MgB2 conductors to avoid the need for heat treatment of the entire assembled magnet. The project’s primary objective is to locally connect reacted MgB2 wires using HUP (Hot Uniaxially Pressing), manufacture locally reacted splices, and investigate the complex reaction kinetics of the splice interface based on team’s expertise.

Absence of effective splicing technology for reacted superconductors poses challenges in repairing persistent mode magnets due to joint failure. Thus, developing an effective technique for joining reacted MgB2 conductors is crucial for MRI applications. This project proposes key innovations to overcome existing splicing technology limitations by implementing HUP. Mechanism of MgB2 splice formation during HUP will be studied. Microstructure of locally HUPed superconducting interfaces will be tailored to create reliable and robust splicing technologies. HUP which enables diffusion of Mg into the B layer to obtain highly dense MgB2 within the splice enclosure offers a novel approach facilitating ultra-low resistive superconducting splices with high current-carrying capacity. This technique, if gets implemented successfully, will present a significant advancement in persistent mode operation for next generation liquid helium free MRI system.

This project aims to address the challenges faced by next-gen dry superconducting (SC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets by developing economically viable and locally reacted liquid helium (LHe)-free splicing methods to make MRIs operative in persistent current mode during power outages in low-resource, remote locations in India and Australia. The current joint manufacturing process and understanding of superconducting magnesium diboride-spliced chemical reactions at the joint interfaces remain complex and unreliable for industrial magnets. In addition, current MRI systems’ reliance on liquid helium leads to high operational and maintenance costs, affecting healthcare units of both Australia and India. Expected outcomes include advancing green, cryogen-free SC technologies, positioning both countries as leaders in MRI innovation globally. This initiative aims to develop capacity building in applied superconductivity at UQ and IITD and seeks to mitigate the impact of the global liquid helium shortage by offering viable alternatives for the MgB2 joints, thereby enhancing affordability of MRI and reducing healthcare costs. The success of this PhD project will significantly strengthen the collaboration between UQ and IITD in applied superconductivity research.

Outcomes

This innovative project will attract talented research students and create unparalleled opportunities for higher degree research (HDR) students. Through their involvement, participants will gain invaluable experience in the development of next generation superconducting materials and their processing, as well as in magnet manufacturing and testing within a cryogenic environment. Their contributions will not only enrich their own skill sets but also strengthen the economies of both Australia and India by advancing expertise, knowledge, and technological know-how in the realm of sustainable and advanced manufacturing.

Furthermore, the progressive development stemming from this project will serve as catalysts for joint publications, patents, joint HDR supervision and submission of large grant applications in national competitive grant schemes in both countries. This collaborative effort will foster the expansion of research endeavours, sustain the growth of international collaboration, and facilitate industry engagement to translate laboratory innovation into real-world commercial applications. Success of this project will play a pivotal role in enhancing the mobility program for course and HDR students at both UQ and IIT Delhi, enabling seamless student/staff exchange opportunities to further enrich the academic experience and foster global research partnerships.

Essential capabilities

Experience in completing a research thesis project in materials science and engineering

Desireable capabilities

Publication writing skills, computer simulation, machine learning

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Honours/Masters in Materials science, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering