Abstract
Using a finite element method, we numerically solve the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations of superconductivity to explore vortex nucleation in type II superconductors. We consider a cylindrical geometry and simulate the transition from a superconducting state to a mixed state. Using saddle-node bifurcation theory we evaluate the superheating field for a cylinder. We explore how surface roughness and thermal fluctuations influence vortex nucleation. This allows us to simulate material inhomogeneities that may lead to instabilities in superconducting resonant frequency cavities used in particle accelerators.
Degree
MS
College and Department
Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Pack, Alden Roy, "Computational Exploration of Vortex Nucleation in Type II Superconductors Using a Finite Element Method in Ginzburg-Landau Theory" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 7283.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7283
Date Submitted
2017-12-01
Document Type
Thesis
Handle
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd9647
Keywords
Ginzburg-Landau, superconductor, finite element method
Language
english