Author: Andrew Gillespie
Institution: Illinois State University
Superconducting radio frequency cavities have gained use in accelerator systems for particle physics research. Careful production of the cavities has the greatest influence on their efficiencies as uniform interior surfaces are required for high accelerating gradients. Small variations in the surfaces of these cavities, such as inclusions, voids, and cracks, cause large deficiencies in the accelerating gradients. Processes to remove such deficiencies usually include eddy current scanning, buffered chemical polishing, and electropolishing. These methods do not provide a consistent means of producing a uniform interior surface. The effectiveness of tumbling as a mass finishing technique was analyzed. This process completely removed the weld line. The effects of weld line removal on cavity efficiencies will be examined.
The Journal of Young Investigators is not affiliated with the US Department of Energy. This paper was written by a student intern with the Department of Energy and does not constitute a declarative position of either the Department of Energy or the Journal of Young Investigators.