High temperature (200ºC) fatigue curve evaluation for duplex material of the Accelearion ring structure.

Irradiated material from the CERN accelerator was made available to Applus for a 77K tensile test campaign.

THE CHALLENGE Applus+ Laboratories was tasked to develop tooling for assembling and disassembling HL-LHC cryomagnets. The challenge was to create a versatile system capable of handling both old and new generation cryomagnets, with Cold Masses weighing up to 24 tons. CERN requested a wheel-free system for precise positioning, adaptable to various cryomagnet sizes. Two versions were needed: one for CERN and another for FERMILAB in the USA. THE SOLUTION Our experts created an innovative guiding system and synchronized lifting system, comprising: Assembly table for Cold Mass Adjustable table for different Vacuum Vessels Synchronized lifting system Winches for Cold Mass movement Extension rails with low-friction Vesconite pads The tooling can handle 10 cryomagnet variants, operating at two speeds: 100 and 1000 mm/minute. We utilized FEM analysis, structural testing, and validation of key components like Vesconite pads. The design prioritized ergonomics and usability, resulting in an effective, turnkey product adaptable to the LHC's diverse magnet sizes.

Applus Laboratories conducted an innovative project evaluating large structures under extreme cryogenic temperatures. The study focused on a 2-ton bolted joint structure, subjected to loads up to 2000 kN at -196°C (77°K). The project's uniqueness lies in combining full-scale testing with extreme environmental conditions, a rare approach due to high costs and technical complexities. Applus developed a special test setup using their 15 MN Universal Test Machine in Barcelona, complemented by a custom-designed low-temperature chamber with a liquid nitrogen pool. The engineering team overcame challenges including: -Preventing temperature transmission to machines -Electrically isolating the test rig -Ensuring correct high-load transmission to samples -Implementing safety measures for nitrogen handling This project demonstrates Applus Laboratories' expertise in testing materials and structures under extreme conditions and their ability to develop innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. The work has significant implications for evaluating critical structures where integrity under extreme conditions is crucial.

Applus carried out an extensive test campaign on an aluminum stiffened curved panel to evaluate the mechanical performance of the Vega launcher. For this test, a specific tooling was designed and implemented on a 15 MN universal testing machine available at the Barcelona laboratory.

An extensive testing campaign of the optical system for the Euclides project has been carried out at Applus Laboratories in Barcelona.