Date Approved
5-16-2022
Embargo Period
5-17-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical Engineering
College
Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
Sponsor
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division
Advisor
Wei Xue, Ph.D. and Robert Krchnavek, Ph.D., P.E.
Committee Member 1
Francis Haas, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Behrad Koohbor, Ph.D.
Keywords
Applied superconductivity, Cryogenics, Dielectrics, Electrical power transmission, Nanomaterials
Subject(s)
Coatings; High temperature superconductors; Nanocomposites
Disciplines
Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Increased implementation of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) power transmission has the potential to revolutionize the efficiency of electrical grids and help unlock a fully electric transportation infrastructure. Realizing the benefits of HTS systems has been impeded by a lack of available dielectric insulation materials that can 1) withstand the extreme cryogenic operating environment of superconductors and 2) demonstrate low temperature processing that is compatible with existing superconductor manufacturing methods. Solving this problem necessitates a high-performance dielectric material with multifunctional properties specifically suited for operation in HTS systems. A polyamide and silicon dioxide (PA/SiO2) nanocomposite material with exceptional thermal stability has been developed as a solid dielectric coating solution. This study conducts mechanical, thermomechanical, and dielectric characterization efforts that explore multi-scale material property relationships in the nanocomposite to optimize it for this application. Additionally, an experimental manufacturing system is developed to provide a transition to large-scale processing of the nanocomposite coating material. The results of these efforts demonstrate a viable option to solve the material challenges impeding wider implementation of HTS power transmission and chart a path forward for the development of manufactured nanocomposite dielectrics.
Recommended Citation
Mahon, Jacob Ryan, "Experimental Characterization and Manufacture of Polymer Nanocomposite Dielectric Coatings for High-Temperature Superconductor Applications" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 3006.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3006
