DEFORMATION AND FRACTURE OF Y-Ba-Cu-O SUPERCONDUCTOR

Mechanical tests of bulk Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductor have been carried out. The density and the grain size have a significant influence on the strength. The ratio of tensile strength to compressive strength and the strain at fracture are very small. These indicate that the Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductor has the typical character of brittle ceramics.