Mechanical preloading of the Central Solenoid Model Coil

The inner and outer modules of the Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC) are m echanically compressed by a preload structure. The necessary preload is det ermined for the support of the modules' terminal leads. The forces in the p reload structure are monitored by strain gauge bridges mounted to each of t he structure's 16 inner and 16 outer tension rods during: 1) room temperatu re loading, 2) cool-down to the coil's operating temperature, and 3) electr omagnetic operation, The preload structure is described and the variations in the preload with each stage of coil operation are presented. Analytical models are presented, which use the observed variations in preload to deduc e equivalent mechanical properties for the coil modules.