Thermal Runaway of the 13 kA Busbar Joints in the LHC

Triggered by the incident in the LHC in September 2008, the thermo-electrical stability of the 10,000 soldered busbar joints in the 13 kA circuits of the LHC has been re-assessed. For this purpose the computer model QP3 has been developed. In this paper the results of some calculations are presented, and it is shown how the results have been used to improve the quench detection system and ensure safe future operation. First the layout of the 13 kA circuits, the geometry of the soldered joints and the quench detection system will be described. Special focus is put on several types of defects in the joint that have been found in the LHC. The difference between slow and fast thermal run-away will be discussed, focusing on quench propagation and reduced thermal and electrical contacts between the various parts of the joint. It is shown that an enhancement of the LHC quench detection system with a much lower threshold will greatly reduce the risk of burn-out of the joint. Finally it is discussed that protection is not feasible for fast thermal run-aways, and that a reduction of the operating current is needed for safe operation until all defective joints have been repaired.