Abstract: A method of evaluating material volatility characteristics. A pulse of current flux is delivered through a material sample to simulate a lightning strike. A pressure produced by the sample during the pulse is measured. The measured pressure is used to measure volatility of the material. An apparatus for evaluating the volatility of materials includes a pulse power supply and a test cell through which a pulse is delivered and in which pressure produced by a sample during the pulse is measured. This apparatus and method can reduce the costs of material selection and can shorten development time for new products.

Abstract: A segmented radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator (10) having a top segment (12), a bottom segment (14), a first side segment (16) and a second side segment (18), each segment having an elongated vane portion (20) arranged in diametrically-opposed pairs along a common longitudinal axis. Mounting arms (30) are integrally formed in the outer walls (28) of the vane portion (20), each end of each mounting arm (30) having a mounting surface (32) formed of a projection (34) having a surface (36) and an end surface (38) oriented at substantially right angles to cooperate with a mounting portion on an adjacent minor segment having a surface (44) and an end surface (46) oriented at right angles. Seals (48) having a C-shaped, cross-sectional configuration are placed between the mounting surfaces to maintain electrical contact between the segments. Fasteners (54) are securely fastened through oversized holes (52) in the segments to adjustably fasten the segments together.