Numerical simulation of particle accelerators

• Published in: Parallel computing Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 163 - 177
• Main Author: Luccio, Alfredo U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2001
• Subjects: Numerical simulation; Parallel computing; Particle accelerators; Numerical simulation; Parallel computing; Particle accelerators
• ISSN: 0167-8191; 1872-7336
• DOI: 10.1016/S0167-8191(00)00093-4

Numerical simulation of particle accelerators using representative “macroparticles” is important for: (i) the design of new accelerators, (ii) to understand and optimize existing accelerators, and (iii) model-based control of accelerators. Accelerator simulation involves the repeated solution of equations of the dynamics of a “herd” of relativistic particles in electro-magnetic fields, produced by accelerator modules (magnets and RI cavities) and by the particles themselves (space charge forces in the presence of accelerator chamber walls). These calculations are very time consuming and in many cases, in particular for high beam current accelerators, can be sensibly only done using parallel computing.