Development of the versatile multi-particle code DYNAMION

Abstract

The multiparticle code DYNAMION (DYNAMics of ION) was written in ITEP for precise beam dynamics simulation in high-current linear accelerators, and was used world-wide for linacs design and for study of linacs in operation. In collaboration between GSI and ITEP the DYNAMION code is in use since many years for the investigation of operation of the GSI high-current heavy-ion linac UNILAC. Results of the beam dynamics simulations are described and compared with other codes as well as with experimental data. The main feature of the code is the possibility to calculate the 3D particle motion in the whole linac potentially consisting of RFQs, different types of DTL structures, transport lines and other elements. During the last years, the development of the code was focused to the increasing of accuracy and reliability of calculations. These goals were reached by an improved description of the external fields inside the code. Additionally, data from measurements or from calculations done with external codes (e.g., focusing and accelerating fields, beam emittance, etc.) are usable. In the paper, the latest features of the DYNAMION code are presented.