1. Crack formation in Nb3Sn superconducting wiresMatthew C. Jewell, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, DMR 0521392 Superconducting Nb3Sn wires are an important component of large magnet systems such as the ITER fusion reactor, but the brittle Nb3Sn filaments can crack under operating stresses. In this project we have developed a novel chemical etching technique to reveal the three-dimensional nature of the fracture events in commercially important Nb3Sn wires. This technique helps us assess the extent of damage in Nb3Sn filament packs and suggest design improvements to the strand manufacturers. This work was supported by the ITER International Organziation (ITER/CT/07/012) and by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of High Energy Physics (DE-FG02-07ER41451).

2. Crack formation in Nb3Sn superconducting wiresMatthew C. Jewell, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, DMR 0521392 The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope has been a key tool for research and development available to students and faculty at both Florida A&M and Florida State University. The FESEM was used to acquire some of the 2,900 images used in the thesis of Matthew C. Jewell. Although Mr Jewell graduated from the University of Wisconsin, his advisor, Dr. David Larbalestier had transferred to Florida State University from Wisconsin about three years ago.