Resistive transitions and the origin of the n value in superconductors with a Gaussian critical-current distribution

Abstract
The resistive transition of a superconductor with a Gaussian distribution of critical currents is analyzed and exact relations for the voltage‐current characteristic and the resistive transition index (n value) in such a superconductor are developed. Excellent fits are found to the experimental transitions in two very different types of superconductor; a Nb‐Ti monofilament and a Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 tape.