Parametric study of the cost estimate for radio frequency system of compact linear collider

In this thesis the cost of so called RF units of CLIC particle collider was examined when RF units’ configuration was considered to be lengthened according to several alternative scenarios. According to current estimates these structures correspond to approximately 20 % of the total cost of CLIC collider and as such the savings achieved in their cost could be significant when total cost of CLIC project is looked into. The unit cost of longer RF units would be greater when compared to the baseline scenario but as smaller quantity would be required cost savings might be achieved. The aim was to find out if cost savings would accumulate and if so, how significant these savings might be. Research material used was mainly internal CERN resources such as earlier cost estimates and tenders received from the industry for production of different components. Based on these cost estimate models were created for three different configurations for lengthening the RF units. The research was limited to the cost of RF units and the possible effects on other systems are referred to only briefly. In evaluation of the cost of mass production of the components learning theory was applied. The unforeseen last minute changes to the study complicated substantially the processing of the results. Out of the alternative lengthening configurations examined only configuration C was deemed as realisable when the physical constraints of the machine were taken into account. Using this configuration the cost reduction possibilities are limited as this configuration leads to increase of the total length of the machine as well as to increase of certain components’ quantities. Thus the cost saving possibilities are dependent on how much the length of the machine would need to be increased in order to retain the same functionality as in baseline configuration. This is a major issue and needs to be looked into shall lengthening of the RF units be considered following the configuration in question.