Modeling of H- ion source at LANSCE

Abstract

We report on the progress in modelling performance of the H- ion source at LANSCE. The key aspect we address is the lifetime of the tungsten filament. The lifetime depends on multiple parameters of the ion source and can dramatically vary in different regimes of operation. We use the multiphysics approach to model the performance of the ion source. The detailed analysis has been made to recognize key physical processes, which affect the degradation of the filament. The analysis resulted in the analytical model, which includes relevant processes from the first principles. The numerical code based on this model has been developed and benchmarked. The results of the modelling show good agreement with experimental data. As a result, the developed model allows predicting the performance of the ion source in various regimes of operation.