Realistic prediction of dynamic aperture and optics performance for LEP

Over the two-decade lifetime of the LEP project, techniques for evaluating the quality of optical configurations have evolved considerably to exploit the growth in computer power and improved modelling of single-particle dynamics. These developments have culminated in a highly automated Monte-Carlo evaluation process whose stages include the generation of an ensemble of imperfect machines, simulation of the operational correction procedures, correlation studies of the optical functions and parameters of (both) beams, 4-dimensional dynamic aperture scans and tracking with quantum fluctuations to determine the beam core distribution. We outline the process, with examples, and explain why each step is necessary to realistically capture essential physics affecting performance. The mechanisms determining the vertical emittance, radial beam distribution and dynamic aperture are especially important. As a storage ring in which an unusual variety of optics have been tested, LEP provides a valuable test case for the predictive power of the methodology.