Dynamic Analysis of the LHC 15-m Cryodipole under Transport and Handling Conditions

The LHC cryodipoles will be transported and handled to their final position in the tunnel and, therefore, they will be subjected to dynamic loads that could damage the dipoles cold masses and cryostats components. The dynamic behaviour of the LHC cryodipoles should be considered when designing the transport and handling equipment. To predict the dynamic behaviour of the cryodipoles under transport and handling conditions, a finite element model of the LHC 15 m cryodipole was developed and validated with experimental data. The natural frequencies and mode shapes predicted by the model were in good agreement with experimental data. The model was used to simulate both a transport on a truck and a handling with a crane of the cryodipole assembly.