Simulation of dc magnetic effects due to geometrically defined grain boundaries in type-II superconductors

A Bean model-based program ("Trazacorrientes"®) has been used to simulate the current distribution in the saturated remanent state of type-II superconducting bicrystal-like squared samples. The grain boundary was modeled by a set of periodically spaced holes geometrically defining the current transparency. Current simulations performed as a function of the boundary transparency, width and geometry are analyzed. Current distributions agree qualitatively with previously reported imaging measurements, while quantitative results can be obtained with an accuracy of ∼5% due to present computing resolution limits. Thanks to "Trazacorrientes"® easy way of implementing irregular defects, meandering grain boundaries formed by straight facets of different local transparency could be simulated. The advantages and disadvantages of the program for the simulation of type-II superconductors with defects, among which GB's, are discussed. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.