Abstract: A method of texturing a multifilamentary article having filaments comprising a desired oxide superconductor or its precursors by torsionally deforming the article is provided. The texturing is induced by applying a torsional strain which is at least about 0.3 and preferably at least about 0.6 at the surface of the article, but less than the strain which would cause failure of the composite. High performance multifilamentary superconducting composite articles having a plurality of low aspect ratio, twisted filaments with substantially uniform twist pitches in the range of about 1.00 inch to 0.01 inch (25 to 0.25 mm), each comprising a textured desired superconducting oxide material, may be obtained using this texturing method. If tighter twist pitches are desired, the article may be heat treated or annealed and the strain repeated as many times as necessary to obtain the desired twist pitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing method for fabricating a superconducting magnetic coil using a mandrel having a consumable component. When exposed to a final processing step, the consumable component is mechanically weakened through oxidation or thermal decomposition. The mandrel can then be easily removed from the coil without straining the conductor, thus preserving the coil's electrical and mechanical properties.