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Simulating quench behavior in superconducting films at Wihuri Physical Laboratory

Quanscient Allsolve is a very intuitive and comprehensive simulation tool that can help to tackle the difficult non-linear properties of superconductors.

Samuel MejiaDoctoral Researcher
Client

WihuriLogo_Text

 
Industry

Superconductors / Materials science research
Problem to be solved

The research group at Wihuri Physical Laboratory needed to simulate quench behavior in superconducting YBCO thin films. Limited experience with FEM modelling and the highly non-linear E–J characteristics of superconductors led to convergence issues. Expertise in superconducting simulations was difficult to find, making it challenging to build reliable coupled thermal–electrical models.
Benefits and results

With Quanscient Allsolve, the research group created preliminary quench simulations, explored more complex multilayer and CFD geometries, and overcame persistent convergence problems. Significant progress was enabled by Quanscient Allsolve’s intuitive interface, comprehensive physics, and responsive technical support.

About Wihuri Physical Laboratory

Wihuri Physical Laboratory at the University of Turku conducts both experimental and computational research on superconductors.

Samuel Mejia, doctoral researcher in the group focuses on studying superconductors and quench phenomena (abrupt changes from superconducting to resistive states).

The laboratory manufactures superconductive YBCO thin films using pulsed laser deposition. Through maskless photolithography and e-beam evaporation, the team can pattern thin films into various geometries and deposit additional conductive or insulating layers as needed. Samples are analyzed through magnetic and resistive measurements, allowing direct comparison between experiments and simulations.

Challenges in simulation before Quanscient Allsolve

The research group aimed to simulate conditions on superconducting tapes that closely matched experimental behavior and to determine whether simulations would predict similar quench dynamics. Because quench modelling requires solving coupled electrical and thermal physics, the team turned to FEM methods.

However, their experience with FEM was limited, and the strong non-linear E–J relationship of superconductors caused frequent convergence failures. Expertise in this area was also scarce, making it difficult to progress beyond very simple models.

Discovering and adopting Quanscient Allsolve

The group first encountered Quanscient Allsolve at the European Conference on Applied Superconductivity. After several discussions at the booth about the challenges they were facing, they decided to explore how Allsolve could benefit their research.

I felt like with Quanscient Allsolve, I can always try to do something new because if I encounter some problems I can always have conversations with the support and find out where the problem might be. I don’t feel like I am going to get stuck with a simulation.

Samuel MejiaDoctoral Researcher

Initial impressions and first benefits

During initial use, the clear and intuitive interface stood out, enabling fast onboarding even with limited prior FEM experience. The rapid, professional, and helpful responses from customer support made the early learning phase smooth and productive.

Quanscient Allsolve’s impact on superconductor simulations

Wihuri Physical Laboratory plans to manufacture YBCO thin films with different layered structures and geometries, including current flow diverters (CFDs) that guide current away from the superconducting layer into metallic layers. These designs protect heated regions and improve voltage detection speed.

Simulating these structures was one of the main motivations for adopting FEM modelling. Earlier attempts had only succeeded in producing a quench in very simple structures, making the simulation of multilayers or CFD designs seem distant.

With Quanscient Allsolve, Samuel Mejia was able to achieve significant progress already within the trial. He has created a preliminary quench simulation for a simple geometry and extended the work to more complex structures, including multilayers with varying properties and CFD configurations. The platform handled the challenging non-linear material behavior that had previously prevented convergence.

Quanscient Allsolve proved intuitive, comprehensive, and well-suited to addressing the non-linear physics of superconductors.

 

Fig 1: Quench dynamics in YBCO tape

 

Fig 2: Electric current density in quenching YBCO tape with and without the CFD

Further benefits

Using Quanscient Allsolve encouraged the research group to test new ideas and approach simulations with more confidence. When problems arose, the ability to discuss issues with support enabled continuous progress without the risk of getting stuck.

Responsive customer support

Wihuri Physical Laboratory received fast, helpful assistance from Quanscient’s support engineers. They gained valuable understanding during the trial month, and support continued to provide guidance even after the trial ended. Although Samuel Mejia was the primary user of Allsolve during the trial, there was always someone available to discuss simulation challenges.

Recommendations and future plans

Wihuri Physical Laboratory expects to continue using Quanscient Allsolve in upcoming research work. Additional members of the group may also adopt the tool as their projects expand.

They note that the trial Quanscient offered to them provided a clear way to evaluate Allsolve’s capabilities. During that period, researchers can explore the interface, test key features, and assess whether the platform aligns with their requirements before making a purchasing decision.

 

Visit our superconductors page to learn more about advanced multiphysics simulations

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