Vibrational Aspects of Accelerators

Sponsor:

Michigan State University

Course Name:

Vibrational Aspects of Accelerators

Instructors:

Jeremiah Holzbauer, Fermilab; Paolo Neri, University of Pisa; Adam Wixson, Fermilab

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Purpose and Audience
This course will focus on the theory, simulation, and measurement of shock and vibrations as applied to accelerator components. Stability in operation as well as robust, successful handling and transport of these complex systems requires a holistic understanding of the vibration/shock environments and the component’s response to these inputs. Too often, these topics are not fully considered or are considered late in a design cycle, leading to potentially serious issues during production and operation.

While this course is primarily aimed at mechanical engineers working in the design and operation of accelerator components, it could also be appropriate for technicians, scientists, and graduate students working in accelerator physics. 

Prerequisites
It is recommended that students applying for this course have been exposed to standard mechanical engineering topics including statics and dynamicsat the graduate level. Undergraduate physics or engineering classes including topics like driven damped harmonic oscillators and frequency-domain analysis such as Fourier Transforms are also recommended. While this class will not require extensive derivation, students who do not have this background will find following some of the material more challenging because of the more open-ended nature of the lab. 

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they meet the course prerequisites or have equivalent experience.

Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the impact of shocks and vibration on accelerator system design, vibration data capture and analysis, and the basics of the impacts of these topics on design documentation and systems engineering. Upon completing this course, students will have been exposed to the mathematical underpinnings and the process of designing and validating these components with the goal of preparing them for similar work in their future careers. 

Instructional Method
This one-week class will consist of a series of classroom lectures during the mornings with most afternoons reserved for small-group lab work. Individual homework may be assigned if complementary to lecture and lab work. Individual homework will be due the morning after it was assigned, and lab group write-ups will be due at the end of the day of each lab. All instructors will be available during the evenings to assist students with homework and labs. 

In addition to lectures, small group practical labs will give hands on experience with these topics including resonant system design, data capture systems, data processing and analysis, and modal analysis.

Course Content
The goal of this class is to cover all major parts of this design cycle, including: 

• Standard vibration and shock environments (road transport, tunnel ground motion, etc.) and examples of typical shock events and vibration sources
• Acceleration monitoring devices (accelerometers, geophones, seismometers, etc.) that can be used to monitor and characterize these environments, including practical considers like power, data acquisition, and robust procedural development
• Device design considerations including simulation of static and dynamic response, fatigue calculations, and standard techniques for robust vibration/shock performance
• Examples of packaging and vibration damping/isolation systems generally used in equipment transport (wire-rope isolation, crate design, etc.)
• Examples of robust documentation processes that can be used during equipment design including risk assessment, specification and requirements, design reports, and procedures including suggestions for review and approval.

Suggested References
(to be provided by the USPAS) "Modal Testing: Theory, Practice and Application (Mechanical Engineering Research Studies: Engineering Dynamics Series) 2nd edition" Wiley Publishers (2009) by D.J. Ewins. Suggestions for further reading will be discussed in class.

Credit Requirements
The course grade will be based on the graded homework sets (20%) and in-class labs reports (80%).

USPAS Computer Requirements
There will be no Computer Lab and all participants are required to bring their own portable computer to access online course notes and computer resources.  This can be a laptop or a tablet with a sufficiently large screen and keyboard. Windows, Mac, and Linux-based systems that are wifi capable and have a standard web browser and mouse are all acceptable.  You should have privileges for software installs. If you are unable to bring a computer, please contact uspas@fnal.gov ASAP to request a laptop loan.  Very limited IT support and spare loaner laptops will be available during the session.

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Michigan State University course number:  PHY 905 Section 801, Special Problems
Indiana University course number: Physics 671, Advanced Topics in Accelerator Physics
MIT course number: 8.790, Accelerator Physics