Abstract
Successful operation of the accelerator complex at CERN relies on Beam Intercepting Devices (BIDs) which are exposed to high doses of radiation and severely restricted maintenance access over their operating life. Instances of lubrication problems have been observed, such as high friction, overheating, corrosion and, in extreme cases, seizure. Understanding the root causes and the mechanisms controlling such failures is key to avoid downtime and improve maintenance schedules and processes. The paper reviews radiation degradation of lubricants and examines their tribological implications. Several examples of lubrication problems observed at CERN are investigated, and preliminary explanations are provided in the light of tests performed on irradiated samples. This highlights the need for better testing protocols and a thorough assessment of the time-varying performance of lubricants operating in the presence of radiation.
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