Second generation High Temperature Superconducting (2G-HTS) Tapes, based on barium, copper and rare earth oxides, commonly known as 2G ReBCO CC (Second Generation Rare-earth Barium Copper Oxide Coated Conductors), have long been proposed for prototypes of Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCL) for electrical networks.

These tapes are multilayer systems made up of materials with different physical and mechanical properties. Once brought to cryogenic temperatures in the test and use configurations, they are subject to thermo-mechanical stresses and deformations. If these stresses and deformations exceed certain limit values, there is an irreversible degradation of both the electrical and mechanical performances of the tape which makes it unusable. For example, phenomena such as delamination or fractures are attributed to the onset of these stresses and limit deformations.

This study was carried out with the aim of determining the stresses and deformations to which the tape is subjected in test configurations, using pieces of linear tape, through analytical and numerical modeling and experimental measurements based on the use of electrical resistance strain gauges. Therefore, this work is to be understood as an organic approach to the study of the above mentioned problems. On a preliminary basis, for both the theoretical and the experimental approaches, we used tapes that were made of AISI 301 stainless steel, which is similar to the stainless steel used for the reinforcing plates of real tapes, and whose size was similar to that of real tapes.

In particular, this report describes the objectives achieved in the research reference period, namely:

(a) further development of analytical models and their application to simple geometric configurations;

(b) preliminary development of numerical solution models of the equations, always applied to simple geometries;

(c) validation of the experimental measurement methodology based on the use of electrical resistance strain gauges.