The US sinks the first steel beam a mile underground for the DUNE project

The U.S. government-operated Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, also known as Fermilab, and the South Dakota-based Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) have successfully completed the first test of raising and lowering a six-ton ​​L-shaped steel beam during construction of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in the town of Lead, South Dakota. The result is being touted as a significant step that would help engineers anticipate future challenges.

DUNE is a global collaboration, with CERN contributing the steel components as an in-kind donation. The first shipment of beams overseas earlier this year is just the first of 2,100 structural elements expected to be delivered to SURF early next year.

After a year of planning, the collaboration between Fermilab, SURF and CERN has made steady progress. Jolie Macier, project manager for remote detectors and cryogenics at Fermilab, emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort and the support of all partners involved.

According to Sanmitra Pingulkar, mechanical engineer at Fermilab, when lowering the L-beam, it was crucial to maintain the correct tilt angle as it cannot exceed five degrees. The beam had to fit within the cage and shaft footprint, and teams had to ensure the total load did not exceed 13,500 pounds, with the L-beam itself accounting for 90% of that weight.

The team’s goal was to ensure a smooth and safe process when lowering large steel components into the shaft. Jeff Barthel, rigging supervisor at SURF, emphasized the importance of the tests, noting that they help identify improvements to make the task safer and more efficient as they prepare to reduce the many cryostat components required for the Far site detectors are required. “We don’t want any surprises when we lift heavy steel parts into the shaft,” says Barthel.

Clues to the origin of matter

The first two beams, delivered in January, are part of the framework for DUNE’s cryogenic containers at the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility. Combined with the existing 2,500 tons of steel, they create a structure 216 feet long, 62 feet wide and 60 feet high.

The structure will house a particle detector filled with 17,000 tons of liquid argon cooled to minus 302 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists will then use these detectors to study neutrinos, elusive particles that are difficult to observe. This is expected to shed more light on the behavior and transformation of neutrinos into multiple states, and even provide clues about how matter in the universe came to be.

The neutrino beam will travel 800 miles

The SURF teams built a faithful wooden replica of an L-beam last spring. Although the model was much lighter than the actual steel component, its shape and center of gravity provided valuable insights into the effective handling of the steel structures.

To date, SURF has completed 350 lifts for the LBNF/DUNE project. This work includes analyzing load dynamics, understanding rigging equipment limitations, and minimizing risks associated with unexpected events, such as: B. sudden stops of the cage in the shaft.

The scientists also noted that proper quantification of all factors is essential as any problems could result in significant delays and cost overruns for the project. The successful test to lower the heavy steel components brings international cooperation closer to the installation of the DUNE detector. Once operational, the neutrinos will be sent from the Fermilab campus near Chicago more than 800 miles underground to DUNE’s large detectors at SURF. Scientists hope that DUNE will provide a clearer understanding of how neutrinos behave, how they change states, and potentially offer insights into the origin of matter in the universe.