Bellows design for the PEP-II High Energy Ring arc chambers

An overview of the current bellows module design and performance parameters is presented. Performance requirements based on external chamber design constraints, and operational needs are discussed. Parameters include beam impedance of the RF shield, and electrical resistance of the shield gap joint. Also discussed is the analysis of the high-current thermal management, and structural and cyclic behavior of the bellows and RF shield. Experiments of the tribology and electrical resistance of the shield sliding joint are summarized, and their results presented. Existing and new design options are discussed in light of the analyses and experiments. The final design is presented as the optimal compromise between the varying parameters