Quench modeling of the ATLAS superconducting toroids

Details of the normal zone propagation and the temperature distribution in the coils of ATLAS toroids under quench are presented. A tailor-made mathematical model and corresponding computer code enable obtainment of computational results for the propagation process over the coils in transverse (turn-to-turn) and longitudinal directions. The slow electromagnetic diffusion into the pure aluminum stabilizer of the toroid's conductor, as well as the essentially transient heat transfer through inter-turn insulation, is appropriately included in the model. The effect of nonuniform distribution of the magnetic field and the thermal links to the coil casing on the temperature gradients within the coils is analyzed in full. (5 refs).