Non-uniform distribution of normal zone in composite superconductors with contact resistance

A region of resistive domains is found in composite superconductors with thermal and electrical contact resistance between the normal metal matrix and the superconductor. The V-I characteristic of 3 sample with resistive domains is found. It is shown that the existence of resistive domains leads to the emergence of hysteresis upon decay and recovery of superconductivity in the presence of transport current. It is shown that the degradation of composite superconductors with contact resistance may be attributed to the formation of resistive domains.