Application of the finite element method in the structural design of the main magnets, vacuum chambers and resonators of an open sector cyclotron

Abstract

The central role played by finite element analysis in the structural design of the main magnets, vacuum chamber and resonator of a 200 MeV open sector cyclotron facility for the National Accelerator Centre at Faure, South Africa, is described. The design evolved through a series of conceptual layouts of the structures involved. A finite element model of a main magnet, a main magnet vacuum chamber, one of a resonator, three of a resonator vacuum chamber and three of a valley vacuum chamber have been drawn up so far.