The Systems Engineering Division

The systems engineering department is in liaison with the other Irfu departments in the fields of mechanical engineering and instrumentation, research instrument design. The DIS, because of its complementary profile, is involved from feasibility studies to the deployment of equipment and during certain projects through an industrialization phase. Working in collaboration with the other departments, DIS has led to work on diversified projects such as the development of prototype magnets for the LHC's energy rise, and the project management of a complete accelerator system for various international collaborations such as FAIR or ESS. But also the mechanical architecture and the control-command of detectors such as Clas12 and Stereo.
It contributes to the testing, maintenance and evolution of these instruments through technological infrastructures and specific equipment to carry out and characterize these achievements as cryogenic optical benches for space instruments for example.
In parallel, the department is involved in research and development activities in order to maintain their high level of competence. DIS has the capability to provide a complete cryomechanical system covering mechanical engineering, power electronics and control activities.

Access to DIS's website : http://irfu.cea.fr/dis/en

#522 - Last update : 12/22 2022

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DIS - activity : For mechanical engineering activities, the open-space layout of the mechanical design office ensures the rapid exchange of information required from the earliest stages with physicists, the circulation of know-how, the continuity of skills and a group dynamic consistent with the department's missions.

DIS - mission and strategy : Within the Irfu project organisation, DIS's mission is to cover the mechanical design and implementation of innovative experimental devices for physics, and to ensure the development and implementation of instrumentation, electronic servo and control systems necessary for their proper operation. Based on a methodology inspired by the system approach, DIS' commitment to projects can evolve from a business contribution to the overall project management of complex experimental systems.

DIS - structure and professions : Profiles DIS forms a team of about 100 permanent employees, engineers or technicians spread almost evenly, to which are added about 10% of temporary contracts linked to temporary increases in activity. The DIS covers two main components of trades: mechanical engineering; instrumentation.

DIS Expertise : instrumentation : The Systems Engineering Department (DIS) has the expertise to implement sensors and actuators to create automated systems for data acquisition or for the control of scientific equipment.

DIS expertise : Protection of superconducting magnets : A lot of equipment used in the fields of physics and health care require high magnetic fields, which are produced by superconducting magnets. This type of magnet is wound with a superconducting cable which has zero resistance at cryogenic temperature. Thanks to the property of superconduction, it is possible to supply the magnet with high currents to obtain the necessary magnetic field. If the resistance of the cable becomes non-zero, the system runs dangerously fast and causes a quench in the magnet.

DIS expertise: electrical engineering : The Systems Engineering Department (DIS) has expertise in the field of electrical engineering. These skills allow the teams to intervene on the following tasks: electrotechnical studies and realizations, studies and achievements in power electronics, start-up and maintenance of these systems, studies and realizations subcontracting.

DIS expertise: prototyping and integration : Prototyping The Systems Engineering Department has the skills and capacity to prototype mechanical systems. This work is carried out in the early stages of projects and allows a number of technical choices to be validated. Plastic additive manufacturing Mechanical prototyping

Our plateforms : 4.Φ : The integrated engineering platform 4.Φ (pronounced "four-point-phi") is currently being deployed. Its ambition is to put the tools of the digital chain at the service of physics, by exploiting the digital model and the numerous data acquired throughout the physics instrumental projects. The field of the physics of the two infinities is very interested in the potential of digital technologies known as "4.

Our plateforms : métrology : The Systems Engineering Division (DIS) has a metrology platform that brings together the measuring equipment necessary for the verification of mechanical parts or more complex assemblies. These devices and instruments can cover a field ranging from a micrometer to several meters. The platform is equipped with a Mitutoyo coordinates measuring machine with a capacity of 900mm x 1000mm x 600mm (L x W x H) and an accuracy of 5µm.

Our platforms : cryomechanisms : The Irfu cryomechanisms platform brings together in a single place all the facilities for integration and testing of the rotary cryogenic mechanisms developed at Irfu It is composed of several spaces: integration clean room with ISO5 flow, metrology marble, nitrogen storage cabinets, test cryostats and control bays for the test benches. The platform is located in the Systems Engineering Department. It was funded by the CEA with the support of the Ile de France Region through DIM-ACAV funding.

Our platforms : prototyping : The Systems Engineering Department's prototyping platform, operated by the LCAP, is installed in the design office environment. It is used for the production of polymer prototype parts for concept studies, for technical communication and also for the production of functional components. Rapid prototyping for technical communication (left, ISEULT) and for responsive support to projects (right, ESS)

Division of systems engineering

Institute of research into the fundamental laws of the Universe