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The 11-Tesla dipole project aims to replace some 8-Tesla dipole magnets in the LHC tunnel with shorter, stronger 11-Tesla magnets to create enough space to install additional collimators for the HL-LHC upgrade. The project is progressing well on both sides of the Atlantic as teams from Fermilab and CERN collaborate to reach the ambitious target. After their success with the 1-metre-long single-aperture dipole model, Fermilab is just completing the first 1-m-long 2-in-1 model magnet, which is the very first magnet of its kind based on Nb3Sn technology. At CERN, a 2-metre-long model magnet using the first practise coils -one of which was made from Nb3SN and connected in single coil configuration - has been constructed and shown excellent test results. The main purpose of this model was to validate the entire assembly process and the tooling before building the first “real” single aperture model magnet. The results of the training performance tests of the practice model magnet exceeded initial expectations reaching a peak field of 12.9T and 12.5T in the coil. Moreover after a thermal cycle the magnet showed very little re-training, which is also very encouraging. The first CERN model magnet is at the final stages of assembly and the cold test is planned for early October. “We are keeping our fingers crossed for the magnetic performance to be at the same level as the practice model” says Mikko Karppinen, who for three years has led the design and R&D effort for the 11 T. “This would be encouraging news for the building the full-scale 5.5 m prototype” he adds. |
