The U.S. Magnet Development Program Plan

The 2014 Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) Report identified a critical need for transformational high field magnet R&D focused on substantially increasing performance and lowering the cost per T-m. This need was subsequently reiterated in the HEPAP* Accelerator R&D subpanel report. In response, the DOE Office of High Energy Physics has initiated an ambitious program, coordinated by LBNL (see Appendix A), to aggressively pursue the development of superconducting accelerator magnets that operate as closely as possible to the fundamental limits of superconducting materials and at the same time minimize or eliminate magnet training. The U.S. Magnet Development Program (MDP) is based on four goals that summarize the P5 and Subpanel recommendations. These goals will be achieved by focusing on high field dipole development along four elements. The first element aims at the establishment of a baseline design to demonstrate feasibility of 16 T magnets and the development of higher risk innovative concepts to improve performance and reduce cost. The second element is to assess the feasibility of accelerator magnets based on HTS materials. The third element consists of a supporting program of science and technology development that serves as the core of the MDP. This component will provide a means of exploring new design concepts, instrumentation, diagnostics and fabrication techniques in a controlled and cost-effective way. The model magnets will serve as platforms for integration of the results of these ongoing activities. A fourth element, a conductor development program that challenges existing strand and cable performance parameters and is driven by the magnet R&D goals, supports these main elements. The program is focused on transformational magnet technologies, leveraging the significant experience base developed in the magnet programs while incorporating a strong science-based element to address limitations to magnet performance. Success will rely upon a collaborative effort of U.S. national labs, industry and universities that takes maximum advantage of existing infrastructure and expertise at the participating institutions by combining and coordinating intellectual and infrastructure resources. This document defines the motivation for the scientific and technological goals, the MDP scope, milestones and timeline for delivering results, and funding and resources needed to execute the program. Through the work outlined here we will advance high-energy physics while increasing our own capabilities in accelerator magnet technology. This will position the U.S. for a leadership position in the development of enabling technology for the next generation of very high energy proton-proton colliders and, in the nearer term, establish a technology base for a possible energy upgrade of the LHC. As an HEP funded Program, the primary focus is on magnets for accelerators, but the generic approach will develop magnet technologies that can be applied to a large variety of applications across the DOE Office of Science and beyond.