A dynamic strain-based quench-detection method in an LTS sextupole magnet during excitation and quench

Abstract

The dynamic strain characteristics and responses of a low-temperature superconducting (LTS) magnet during excitation and a quench are investigated in the present work. For the strain measurements, strain gauges in the form of a half-bridge circuit comprising cryogenic strain gauges and their dummy resistances are embedded directly within the superconducting magnet structure. A wireless high-speed data acquisition system with a resolution of 1 ms is also used to obtain the strain history of the LTS magnet during operation. The dynamic strain induced by thermal or mechanical disturbances is detected promptly and compared with the transport current and temperature signals recorded during a quench. This indicates that the dynamic strain measured in the LTS magnet can capture a quench feature in a timely manner. For a better understanding of the dynamic strain histories in the magnet, the dynamic strain signals are subjected to spectral analysis during the excitation and pre- and post-quench processes. It is shown originally that several spectral peaks on strain measured are always observed at the onset of a quench. Thus, the dynamic strain characteristics and responses provide a evaluation means of superconducting magnet.