LANL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
The Accelerator Operations & Technology Division operates a half-mile linear particle accelerator which utilizes 110 wire scanning diagnostics devices to gain position and intensity information of the proton beam. In the upcoming LANSCE improvements, 51 of these wire scanners are to be replaced with a new design, up-to-date technology and off-the-shelf components. This document outlines the requirements for the mechanical design of the LANSCE wire scanner and presents the design currently being worked on. Additionally, it presents the decision making process for the selected components and sub-systems within the wire scanner such as the drive system, frame, mounting interface, and vacuum components. This is done by comparing design alternatives and comparing them to the objectives of the project. Similarly, a comparison between the use of a stepper motor and a servo motor is detailed in this document; this is mostly done through motor-torque calculations, back-drive calculations, and a comparison of the inherent properties of both types of motors, such as detent torque and torque capabilities. Lastly, the paper concludes with a plan for future work on the wire scanner development.
