A 2-D Finite-Element Model for Electro-Thermal Transients in Accelerator Magnets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 2-D finite-element model to simulate electro-thermal transients in superconducting accelerator magnets, aiding in understanding and preventing failures in high-energy physics applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel 2-D FEM approach combining magnetoquasistatic and thermal modeling with a circuit integration scheme for accelerator magnet analysis.

Findings

Effective simulation of transient phenomena in superconducting magnets

Integration of thermal and electromagnetic models in a circuit framework

Potential to improve magnet protection strategies

Abstract

Superconducting accelerator magnets require sophisticated monitoring and means of protection due to the large energy stored in the magnetic field. Numerical simulations play a crucial role in understanding transient phenomena occurring within the magnet, and can, therefore, help to prevent disruptive consequences. We present a 2-D FEM model for the simulation of electro-thermal transients occurring in superconducting accelerator magnets. The magnetoquasistatic problem is solved with a modified magnetic vector potential formulation, where the cable eddy currents are resolved in terms of their equivalent magnetization. The heat balance equation is then investigated, and the relevant heat sources are discussed. The model implements a two-port component interface and is resolved, as part of an electrical circuit, in a cooperative simulation scheme with a lumped-parameter network.