An Undergraduate UVIC Student Capstone Project on Superconducting Magnets (submitted)

Part of the focus at Accel-Link Ltd is on students who will provide the next generation of contributions in the particle accelerator field or an associated field such as nuclear fusion.  We are also interested in projects that contribute to reduced energy consumption, and minimization of space utilization in buildings.  Consider Isabel Dinneny a 4th year Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate student at the University of Victoria, who has contributed a brief bio, and a brief project description.  She is a student, and her project is aimed at the reduction of energy consumption, and a reduced footprint for a mass spectrometer magnet appropriate for medical stable isotope separation.  She intends to do this by utilizing a superconducting magnet design rather than a typical “warm” magnet.

Bio – Isabel Dinneny

I am currently in my final year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria in Canada 2024/25. During my time at UVic, I have completed internships in diverse fields including quantum computing, rocketry, and nuclear fusion. Additionally, I have worked as a research assistant with UVic’s Hybrid 3D research group. Upon graduation, I aim to work in the field of nuclear fusion to develop a clean, sustainable energy source that can positively impact the world. Outside of work and studies, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and running.

Student’s Project Description

This honours thesis project, supervised by Dr. Andrew Rowe, focuses on the development of a superconducting magnet for use as a mass spectrometer. By leveraging the unique properties of superconducting materials, the project aims to reduce the footprint, and overall power consumption typically incurred with resistive magnets..

The primary objective of this project is to design a superconducting magnet that meets the requirements of the given application. This involves a comprehensive analysis of high-temperature and low-temperature superconducting materials, including an examination of the critical parameters for certain materials.

Additionally, using the selected material, a superconducting coil will be designed and magnetic field and force simulations will be conducted using ANSYS^TM. These simulations will provide insights into the uniformity of the magnetic field and the necessary mechanical structures surrounding the coils to ensure rigidity and support.

Finally, the project will include a preliminary design of the cryogenic system required for maintaining the superconducting state. This will involve evaluating different cooling techniques to determine the most effective method for this application.