Optimizing Simulation Times of SPS Slow Extraction using MAD-X

The simulation time of a \texttt{MAD-X} script employing particle tracking to model the slow-extraction process of 400 GeV protons from the SPS was studied by batching the code on the CERN computing batch service. The behaviour of the code for large numbers of particles and turns was examined and batching significantly reduced simulations times to $\mathcal{O}(1000~\mathrm{s)}$. Convergence studies showed that simulated quantities that are time-averaged across the spill, e.g. the rms extracted beam emittance, can be reliably simulated with more than 400 particles and in a simulation time of less than an hour.