Speaker
Description
The first Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ01) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) operated in both the main accelerator and the Beam Test Facility for a combined period of approximately 20 years. Over this time, the performance of RFQ01 declined significantly, with beam transmission decreasing from about 90% to 70% or less. RFQ01 is currently undergoing a comprehensive post-mortem analysis. Initial visual inspections revealed substantial erosion on the low-energy side of the vane tips. To characterize the erosion profile with high precision, a 3D microstructural surface replication was produced using an in-house, 6-inch-long mold along with full 3D CST model. Additional borescope inspections identified further vane erosion in the middle and downstream sections of the first segment. The final phase of the post-mortem study will involve full disassembly of the structure to expose the entire length of each vane for complete laser scanning. The CST 3D model will then be updated to incorporate the full erosion profile. The results of these studies will help clarify the underlying degradation mechanisms and inform implications and paths forward for reliable high beam power operation.
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