Mechanical properties of Y–Ba–Cu–O blocks welded by Er–Ba–Cu–O solder

Abstract In this study, we have performed the tensile tests of Y–Ba–Cu–O blocks welded by Er–Ba–Cu–O superconducting solder at room temperature. For comparative study, melt-textured Y–Ba–Cu–O and Er–Ba–Cu–O fabricated by the top-seeded melt growth are also tested. Most welded samples fractured at the joined region and the average strength was lower than those of bulk samples. This is due to the segregation of foreign phases at the joint.