Abstract:

Particle accelerators require precise alignment of their components to maximise performance. The High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC will introduce the Full Remote Alignment System (FRAS), among other things, which will allow operators to remotely align LHC components.

Given the system’s complexity and the importance of its safety functions, virtual commissioning is required before deployment. To support this, a forward kinematic simulation framework has been developed. This simulator generates realistic sensor measurements based on specified positions of beam components to enable validation of control logic. This allows for integration testing of the FRAS control system to ensure that the safety systems perform as expected. Initial tests using the simulation framework have demonstrated the utility of the tool in uncovering software bugs and configuration errors that would otherwise be difficult to uncover before deployment.

Currently, the simulation framework is being set up to run in automated pipelines to verify the controls software. The simulation has also been extended to include modelling of motor axis movements for further validation of the control system. This extension forms a foundation for the development of a future digital twin of FRAS.

This talk will review the current status of the simulator and associated virtual commissioning work.