Recent developments for the HEADTAIL code: updating and benchmarks

The HEADTAIL code models the evolution of a single bunch interacting with a localized impedance source or an electron cloud, optionally including space charge. The newest version of HEADTAIL relies on a more detailed optical model of the machine taken from MAD-X and is more flexible in handling and distributing the interaction and observation points along the simulated machine. In addition, the option of the interaction with the wake field of specific accelerator components has been added, such that the user can choose to load dipolar and quadrupolar components of the wake from the impedance database ZBASE. The case of a single LHC-type bunch interacting with the realistic distribution of the kicker wake fields inside the SPS has been successfully compared with a single integrated beta-weighted kick per turn. The current version of the code also contains a new module for the longitudinal dynamics to calculate the evolution of a bunch inside an accelerating bucket.