project-highlight-image

C-band Proton Radiography booster (Accelerator)

hero-image

Abhinaya Parameswaran

Project Timeline

Aug 2022 - Feb-2026

OVERVIEW

I supported the 2-cell C-band (5.712 GHz) Proton Booster Cavity Accelerator for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton radiography (pRad) program, focusing on mechanical design, manufacturability, and validation of a brazed RF cavity structure. My work centered on the mechanical design of the symmetrical, two-half brazed cavity, including development of precision alignment features, flange position alignment, and braze-flow and fill-channel strategies to achieve uniform, void-free bonds. I designed custom high-temperature brazing fixtures and clamping hardware, and supported fabrication through CMM-based GD&T validation of cavity alignment, beamline alignment, and critical RF surface dimensions. When fabrication defects or vacuum leaks arose, I conducted root cause analysis (RCA) and implemented corrective design or process changes. I also supported final assembly, leak checking, and RF performance validation. Cold-test results showed the cavity tuned to 5712.6 MHz versus a 5712.0 MHz target, with measured Q₀ = 13,238 (vs. 13,150 simulated) and Qₑ = 10,137 (vs. 11,000 predicted), indicating strong agreement between mechanical execution and RF modeling. High-gradient testing demonstrated stable operation up to 100 MeV/m with breakdown rates below 1×10⁻⁴ per pulse per meter, validating reliable performance at 40 MeV/m with predictable thermal behavior and minimal RF degradation.

HighlightS

  • Designed and validated a precision brazed C-band RF cavity structure for accelerator operation
  • Developed alignment and braze-flow strategies enabling void-free, repeatable high-temperature joints
  • Designed and implemented custom brazing fixtures for dimensional stability during thermal cycles
  • Performed CMM-based GD&T inspection of cavity geometry, alignment, and beamline interfaces
  • Led root cause analysis (RCA) for vacuum leaks and fabrication defects, driving corrective actions
  • Supported RF cold testing with results closely matching simulated resonant frequency and Q-factors
  • Final assembly demonstrated low RF breakdown probability under high-gradient testing (up to 100 MeV/m)
  • Accelerator was validated to have predictable thermal and electromagnetic behavior under exaggerated operating conditions

SKILLS

Precision Mechanical AlignmentBraze Assembly DesignFixture and Clamp DesignDesign for ManufacturingCAD DesignGD&TCMM inspectionRoot Cause Analysis (RCA)Vacuum Leak Testing
Home
Questions?
hero-image

Abhinaya Parameswaran

Mechanical Engineer (M.Eng) | Precision Hardware Systems • Robotics & Controls • Ultra-High-Vacuum Mechanisms • Computational Simulation & ML

Mechanical Engineer (M.Eng, UC Berkeley) specializing in precision electromechanical systems, system integration, and vacuum hardware. Experienced in cross-domain R&D design and validation, with a background in simulation, ML, and controls.

| lowinertia |
Engineering Portfolio in 15 minutes
Create Your Portfolio