Analytical Calculation of Current Distribution in Multistrand Superconducting Cables

In recent years the problem of current distribution in multistrand superconducting cables has received increasing attention for large scale superconductivity applications due to its effect on the stability of fusion magnets and the field quality of accelerator magnets. A modelling approach based on distributed parameters has revealed to be very effective in dealing with long cables made of some tens or hundreds of strands. In this paper we present a fully analytical solution equation for a distributed parameters model in cables made of an arbitrary number of strands, whose validity is subjected to symmetry conditions generally satisfied in practical cables. We give in particular analytical formulae of practical use for the estimation of the maximum strand currents, time constants and redistribution lengths as a function of the cable properties and the external voltage source.