Mechanical analysis of a high gradient quadrupole for the LHC

The magnetic design of the LHC interaction region quadrupole by the BNL, FNAL, LBNL collaboration eliminates the manufacturing complication of a graded cable splice in the outer coil and still attains a maximum gradient above 235 T/m. The mechanical design includes strong preloaded collars, shims to adjust the fit between components when warm, contact between the collar and iron when cold for better coil support, and a closed iron to reduce harmonics. This paper summarizes mechanical finite element results for assembly, cooldown to 1.8 K, and excitation to maximum gradient.