SCPack Code

SCpack is a user-element package for superconducting magnet modeling in ANSYS.®

About SCPack

User-defined elements in ANSYS enable programming of the finite element method to simulate the unique behavior of superconducting magnets. A set of 2D electromagnetic and thermal user elements incorporate both quench and interfilament coupling current (IFCC) effects in a consistent manner, allowing for simulation of strongly coupled, multiphysics behavior typical of superconducting devices.

Highlights

• Field, temperature, and quench state dependent material properties
• Inclusion of IFCC in the FEM as an equivalent magnetization
• Multi-field coupling of electromagnetic and thermal domains
• Coupling of magnet quench resistance growth and inductive effects to an external circuit
• Simulation of coupling-loss-induced quench (CLIQ)
• Geometry independent FEM is adaptable to a wide range of applications
• Support for Nb-Ti, Nb₃Sn, and Bi2212 materials
• Compatible with default ANSYS elements and solvers

Uses

These elements are currently being used for several different applications, including:
• Protection design studies for Nb₃Sn accelerator magnets using CLIQ
• Prediction of IFCC-induced quench back effects in Nb₃Sn superconducting undulators
• Quench simulation of coupled Bi2212/low-temperature superconductor hybrid solenoids
• Modeling and design of persistent current switches

Output Examples

CLIQ simulation for a Nb₃Sn block dipole magnet predicts coil currents, resistance growth, and hotspot temperature. Click for larger version.		Electromagnetic and thermal mesh domains for a Nb₃Sn undulator are solved with field coupling to predict the impact of quench and interfilament coupling currents (IFCC) on magnet current decay and hotspot temperature in a dump resistor circuit. Click for larger version.

To Learn More…

The effort to make these elements available for outside users is underway. To learn more, start with Brouwer et al., “User defined elements in ANSYS for 2D multiphysics modeling of superconducting magnets,” Superconductor Science and Technology (accepted manuscript, online 1 July 2019), https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6668/ab2e63

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Lucas Brouwer (lnbrouwer@lbl.gov) for more information.