This thesis focuses on the mechanical design and numerical assessment of support structures for next-generation high-field superconducting magnets, operating in the 14–20 T range within CERN-related accelerator magnet development. The thesis will be carried out in collaboration with INFN, providing the student with direct exposure to advanced research activities in superconducting magnet technologies.
These systems are extremely challenging because very large electromagnetic forces must be sustained while the magnet operates at cryogenic temperature, where materials undergo strong thermal contraction and their mechanical properties change significantly. The student will analyse the structural behaviour of coils, collars, shells, spacers and support components, studying how preload, assembly procedures, Lorentz forces and cool-down affect the stress state of the magnet.
The activity will involve advanced finite element simulations, nonlinear contact modelling, magneto-mechanical coupling, material comparison and convergence of complex multiphysics models. The thesis is particularly suited for students interested in mechanics, magnetism, cryogenics, advanced materials and numerical simulation, and offers the opportunity to contribute to enabling technologies for future particle accelerators and large-scale superconducting systems.
