Summary
This materials science study describes the development and characterisation of an alumina-particle-filled paraffin wax system designed for impregnation of superconducting magnets operating at cryogenic temperatures. The addition of 45 vol% sub-micrometer alumina particles substantially improves mechanical performance and thermal matching while preserving low melt viscosity for effective coil impregnation. Two-dimensional RVE simulations provide mechanistic insights into thermal-mismatch stress accumulation and matrix-particle damage, supporting the design of next-generation wax-based impregnation systems.
UK applicability
This paper is not applicable to UK farming systems, soil health, nutrient density or human health research. It addresses materials engineering for high-energy physics infrastructure and would only be relevant to UK institutions operating superconducting magnet facilities.
Key measures
Compressive strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, thermal expansion coefficient, melt viscosity, thermal contraction, RVE (representative volume element) stress and damage analysis
Outcomes reported
The study characterised the thermo-mechanical properties of alumina-filled paraffin wax from ambient to cryogenic temperatures, measuring compressive strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, thermal expansion coefficient, and melt viscosity. RVE simulations were used to elucidate damage initiation mechanisms and stress evolution during thermal cycling and mechanical loading.
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