Numerical simulation and experimental evaluation of large-sized quick-release clamp

The tightening of the large-sized quick-release clamp with six pieces resembling chain links (model KF300), a lab-built tool to remotely control the mechanical sealing of the “rapid cycling synchrotron of China spallation neutron source” (CSNS/RCS) transverse collimators, was physically modeled, numerically simulated with software ANSYS, and experimentally evaluated. The impact of the tightening conditions, including but not limited to the angle between one clamping-piece and lead-screw, tightening torque, mechanical properties of Al-gaskets, flanges, lead-screws, etc., on sealing performance of the clamp were investigated. In the simulation, the optimized angle between one clamping piece and lead-screw and tightening-torque range were calculated to be 40° and 2.794~49.2 N·m, respectively. Tightened with the quick-release clamp, the leakage rate of the primary collimator was found to be well below the technical requirements.