Quote:
Originally Posted by Argos
Problem is: how frequently this kind of problem is expected to occur? If operation at low energy can do that, what´s gonna happen when the real thing starts?
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If you have ever been involved in commisioning high complex prototype machinery for research you know these things ALWAYS happen.
Traditionally one of the biggest problems with accelerators was to keep the UHV. Any leak or failure of a small part caused weeks of waiting due to pumping.
Now another time absorbing component has been added. The superconducting magnets which needs a long time to cool down and also to be heated up again in case of failure (und after cooled down again).
It's only that the LHC is a little bit in the spot light now. Normally no one in public would have noticed.
I do not hope it, but I am sure there will some more problems occur before it finally will run.