Acoustic detection in superconducting magnets for performance characterization and diagnostics

TL;DR

This paper explores acoustic sensing as a novel method for quench diagnostics in superconducting magnets, offering an alternative to traditional voltage-based techniques, especially for complex or long magnet systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of acoustic sensing to detect mechanical vibrations linked to quench events in superconducting magnets, providing a new diagnostic approach.

Findings

Acoustic signals correlate with voltage instabilities during quenches.

Acoustic sensing is effective for complex winding geometries.

The paper reviews instrumentation and data analysis methods for acoustic diagnostics.

Abstract

Quench diagnostics in superconducting accelerator magnets is essential for understanding performance limitations and improving magnet design. Applicability of the conventional quench diagnostics methods such as voltage taps or quench antennas is limited for long magnets or complex winding geometries, and alternative approaches are desirable. Here, we discuss acoustic sensing technique for detecting mechanical vibrations in superconducting magnets. Using LARP high-field Nb3Sn quadrupole HQ01 [1], we show how acoustic data is connected with voltage instabilities measured simultaneously in the magnet windings during provoked extractions and current ramps to quench. Instrumentation and data analysis techniques for acoustic sensing are reviewed.