Simulation support for commissioning and operating the SSC linac

Many different beam dynamics simulation techniques and codes will be used during commissioning of the SSC Linac. As commissioning progresses, these techniques and codes will be developed, improved, tested and integrated into the linac control system. When the initial commissioning is finished, the control system will include a solid basis of simulation capability for normal operational use and periodic tuneup. For instance, some of the procedures that must be supported during both commissioning and normal operation are matching, steering, acceptance scanning, RF tuneup and emittance measurements. These all require simulation capability that should be easily available to the operator in a form that: 1) takes its input directly from linac diagnostics; 2) is immediately useful without sophisticated analysis; and 3) produces whatever output is best suited for the task at hand, be it a graphic on a screen or a control signal to an actuator. We discuss the various approaches that are being pursued to ensure that the necessary beam dynamics simulation capability will be available as needed.<>