A continuum model for current distribution in Rutherford cables

An analysis of eddy currents induced in flat Rutherford-type cables by external time dependent magnetic fields has been performed. The induced currents generate in turn a secondary magnetic field which has a longitudinal periodicity (periodic pattern). The dependence of the amplitude of the pattern on the history of the cable excitation has been investigated. The study has been carried out with two different models for the simulation of current distribution in Rutherford cables, namely a network model, based on a lumped parameters circuit and a "continuum" model, based on a distributed parameters circuit. We show the results of simulations of the current distribution in the inner cable of a short LHC dipole model in different powering conditions and compare them to experimental data. (12 refs).