On the prestressing and deformation of rectangular particle detector frames

Abstract

Particle detectors such as spark chambers and multiwire proportional chambers (MWPC) generally contain planar electrodes streched across rectangular frames. For detectors of reasonable size, this can result in fairly large forces acting on the frames. To maintain the electrode planes under uniform tension and to prevent sagging, the frames must be prestressed. This paper contains a detailed examination of the deformation of rectangular frames under stress. A simple model for this phenomenon is presented. The model consists of treating each side of the frame as an elastic beam subject to the condition that the sides remain perpendicular at the corners. The predictions of the model are in good agreement with measured deflections of a MWPC frame. The model is used to determine the optimum value of a single concentrated prestressing force F to best approximate the total distributed force W of a uniformly tensed electrode plane. For most geometries it is found that F is about 62% of W.