Shock and Vibration Tolerant High Temperature Superconducting Shipboard Degaussing Cable Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-085 Topic Title: Shock and Vibration Tolerant High Temperature Superconducting Shipboard Degaussing Cable Proposal No.: N081-085-0022 Firm: AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR 64 Jackson Road Devens, Massachusetts 01434 Contact: Christopher King Phone: (978) 842-3082 Web Site: www.amsuper.com Abstract: In the proposed SBIR Phase I project, American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) will carry out an extensive industry "best practice" exercise to optimize a high temperature superconductor (HTS) degaussing cable design to meet U. S. Navy (USN) shock and vibration requirements. The materials specification will indicate cable geometry; insulation, overwrap and core materials for typical applications as specified by USN sponsors. The process specification will define a manufacturing process map of the optimum design. AMSC will produce a small prototype (1' long) cable as a Phase I deliverable. AMSC will ensure a preliminary integration of a USN designated quick-disconnect connector with the HTS cable. A "gap analysis" will be performed to finalize the HTS cable to quick-disconnect connector integration. AMSC will define HTS degaussing cable condition based maintenance parameters by identifying, investigating and determining measurements as required in a full laboratory demonstration based on USN guidance. During Phase II, the HTS degaussing cable design chosen in Phase I will be manufactured in a length to be determined and tested for shock and vibration to MIL-STD-901 and 167, respectively. Benefits: The U. S. Navy (USN) has identified a revolutionary opportunity for compact, low voltage cables based on high temperature superconductors (HTS) to reduce weight, size and power requirements for the Advanced Degaussing System (ADS). American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC), the world leader in developing and manufacturing flexible and robust HTS wires, has extensive systems and cryogenic engineering expertise, broad experience with HTS cables for commercial electric power , has designed, built and demonstrated a prototype HTS degaussing cable system demonstrating the key advantages of HTS degaussing systems. AMSC is strongly positioned to develop an optimized design for HTS degaussing cable meeting militarized requirements including shock, vibration and ease of use, accelerating the timeline for the deployment of theADS. This work will be the foundation for Phase II and III objective of transitioning this technology to the commercial and military market. The Littoral Combat Ship and CG(X) platforms are targeted to receive ADS to significantly improve magnetic signature while reducing cable weight by over 50 percent. During Phase III, private sector commercial potential will be explored. Return