Describes the test method for determining the copper to non-copper volume ratio of Cu/Nb3Sn wires. The test method given hereunder is applicable to Nb3Sn composite superconducting wires with a cross-sectional area of 0,1 mm2 to 3 mm2 and a copper to non-copper volume ratio of 0,1 or more. It does not make any reference to the filament diameter; however, it is not applicable to those superconducting wires with their filament, Sn, CuSn, barrier material and other non-copper portions dispersed in the copper matrix or those with the stabilizer dispersed. Furthermore, the copper to non-copper volume ratio can be determined on specimens before or after the Nb3Sn formation heat treatment process.

This test method may be applied to other composite superconducting wires after some appropriate modifications.