W.S.G. Isaac Newton

During my six-month internship at CERN, I was responsible for developing a 1 Tesla prototype for a new detector magnet, known as the Split Coil Solenoid Demonstrator. These coils were made from co-winding superconducting Cu/Nb-Ti conductor and copper cable. The two most important parts of the design are the support structure, as the coils generate significant attractive forces and the quench detection and protection of each coil. A quench occurs when part of the superconducting cable becomes resistive, which will generate a hot spot. The temperature in this hotspot can go up to 1000 K, which will damage or even destroy the magnet.

Throughout the project, I used SolidWorks to design all individual parts of the support structure, which took a while to reacquaint myself with. For most parts, I conducted multiple design iterations, and I could partially 3D print each design to evaluate its behavior within the wider structure. To verify the design's feasibility, I performed electromagnetic simulations in Ansys Maxwell 2D and 3D, as well as finite element analysis in Ansys Static Structural. Additionally, I created an electrical design capable of detecting and protecting the coil against a quench.

Once all the parts were completed, I was able to develop an approach for the winding procedure of the magnet. This was a critical step in the project since the magnets were co-wound.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the project's results. Most of the components were delivered before my departure, enabling me to construct one coil, which was a gratifying experience. Unfortunately, my departure precluded my involvement in the coil's winding process and testing.

I had a great experience during my time there. My supervisor was fantastic, and we shared many common interests. I also had the pleasure of spending time with a friend who is currently pursuing their PhD, and in the weekends, we often drank beer on the beach in Geneva. Additionally, I took up skiing and bouldering, both of which I enjoyed tremendously.