Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of Ge addition to the Cu matrix on the microstructure and the critical current density, four kinds of internal tin processed Nb$_3$Sn strands with pure Cu and Cu 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 wt % Ge alloys were drawn to 0.8 mm diameter. The microstructure and critical current of internal tin processed Nb$_3$Sn wires that were heat treated at temperatures ranging from 68$0^{\circ}C$ to 74$0^{\circ}C$ for 240h were investigated. The Ge addition to the matrix did not make workability worse. A Ge rich layer in the Cu-Ge matrix suppressed the growth of the Nb$_3$Sn layer and promoted grain coarsening. The greater the Ge content in the matrix, the lower the net Jc result after Nb$_3$sn reaction heat treatment. There was no significant variation in Jc observed with heat treatment temperature ranging from 68$0^{\circ}C$ to 74$0^{\circ}C$. The values of AC loss of Ge added wires were decreased to 40 % compare with no addition wire. Low AC loss was due to segregation of Ge rich layer in the Cu-Ge matrix. If Ge added wire with thin Nb filaments were fabricated, slow diffusion rate of Sn would be overcome and decreased AC loss that is weak Point of internal tin method.
