New Analysis Framework Software for the CERN Superconducting Magnet Test Facility

Abstract

Since 2013, the existing but aging analysis tools that were routinely used for the large hadron collider (LHC) magnet series production measurement campaigns conducted at the CERN superconducting Magnet Test Facility (SM18) are being replaced by a novel open-data and user-driven analysis environment. This effort is running in parallel to the current development of magnet prototypes in the framework of the High Luminosity Upgrade of the CERN LHC (HL-LHC project). This R&D phase requires new features in the quench analysis software to cope with the dedicated or specific magnet tests (splice resistance, inductance, ac loss, Quench Heater efficiency, Hot Spot Temperature assessment, etc. . . ), as well as a more open access to the mathematical routines and to the output results. The new data handling and analysis tools framework that is currently deployed is based on two pillars. First, the availability of the legacy proprietary raw data in an open and widely accessible format. Second, the new possibility for the user to process with the data through dedicated numerical tools and algorithms recently developed for data viewing, analysis, and formatted test result reports. In this paper, the initial analysis framework is described in terms of the acquisition system that produces data, the conversion tool that standardizes the file format, the new analysis tool that replaces the existing quench analysis software, and the database tool that archives the summary of every test. Finally, some statistics of the current situation are presented, based on facts and results of one year of analysis working within the superconducting magnet test facility.