Isochronous Cyclotron Superconducting Flutter Coil Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Isochronous cyclotrons face limitations in achieving high magnetic field levels for ion acceleration, with existing designs typically operating below 10 Tesla, and there is a need for more efficient cooling and structural support to maintain the integrity of superconducting coils at cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates superconducting primary coils and flutter coils symmetrically arranged about a central axis, with a magnetic yoke and cryogenic cooling system, utilizing a non-magnetic reinforcement structure to maintain coil positioning and thermal stability, allowing for higher magnetic field generation up to 10.3 Tesla.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If superconducting coils are used to generate high magnetic fields, then magnetic field strength is improved, but structural integrity and positioning stability deteriorate due to thermal contraction and mechanical stress at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic reinforcement structure serves as an intermediary between the superconducting coils and the external environment. This reinforcement structure, made of non-magnetic material, provides mechanical support and maintains precise coil positioning while being transparent to the magnetic field generation, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high magnetic fields and maintaining structural integrity at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite structure combining superconducting coils with non-magnetic reinforcement materials. The superconducting coils generate the magnetic field while the non-magnetic reinforcement provides structural stability, creating a composite system that leverages the advantages of both materials to achieve both high magnetic field strength and structural reliability
2Reliability
If superconducting coils are cooled to cryogenic temperatures, then superconductivity is achieved, but thermal stress and structural deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic reinforcement structure acts as a thermal intermediary that provides mechanical stability during cryogenic cooling. It accommodates thermal contraction of the superconducting coils while maintaining the overall structural composition and positioning, thus enabling superconductivity to be achieved without compromising structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The design accounts for thermal expansion/contraction effects by using non-magnetic reinforcement materials with appropriate thermal properties. The reinforcement structure is designed to accommodate the dimensional changes that occur during cooling to cryogenic temperatures, preventing structural deformation while maintaining superconductivity
3Productivity
If magnetic field level is increased for better ion acceleration, then acceleration efficiency is improved, but coil positioning precision and thermal stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic reinforcement structure serves as a precision intermediary that maintains accurate coil positioning even at high magnetic field levels. It provides a stable mechanical framework that prevents positioning drift caused by magnetic forces and thermal effects, thereby enabling high ion acceleration efficiency while maintaining manufacturing precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the achievement of higher magnetic field levels, enhancing ion acceleration efficiency and stability, while the cryogenic cooling and reinforcement structure ensure the structural integrity and operational performance of the superconducting coils.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclotron for accelerating ions (charged particles) in an outward spiral using an electric field impulse from a pair of electrodes and a magnet structure
Implementation Method 2
a cryogenic refrigerator (cryocooler) is thermally coupled with the superconducting coils and with the magnetic yoke
Implementation Method 3
at least two superconducting coils that are substantially symmetric about a central axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An isochronous cyclotron includes at least two superconducting coils, a magnetic yoke surrounding the coils and containing at least a portion of a beam chamber, a plurality of superconducting flutter coils on each side of the median acceleration plane, a non-magnetic reinforcement structure filling the valleys between the superconducting flutter coils so as to maintain the positioning of the superconducting flutter coils, internal reinforcement structures mounted inside the superconducting flutter coils, and a cryogenic refrigerator thermally coupled with the superconducting coils and with the magnetic yoke.