Magnetic properties of arrays of superconducting strips in a perpendicular field

Current profiles and field lines and magnetization and ac losses are calculated for arrays of infinitely long superconducting strips in the critical state in a perpendicularly applied magnetic field. The strips are arranged vertically, horizontally, and in a matrix configuration, which are the geometries found in many actual high-$T_c$ superconducting tapes. The finite thickness of the strips and the effects of demagnetizing fields are considered. Systematic results for the magnetization and ac losses of the arrays are obtained as function of the geometry and separation of the constituent strips. Results allow us to understand some unexplained features observed in experiments, as well as to propose some future directions.