Comments for Evaluation of flex joint vs floating clamp

                            July 10, 2001

                    from  Dave Pushka
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1. Overall Remarks

On the flex joint, I would like to see a prototype built of the rocking
joint.  To do so will require preparation of a fabrication drawing and
then to go to the outside (not FNAL machine shops) and have the parts
fabricated.  I would even envision a two step process, step one uses
plastic in place of the ceramic and the second uses the real ceramic.

Once a FEA of the existing stripline is completed and a comparision
between the FEA of the slitted bends vs the solid bends shows the slits to
be worthwhile, then go build one.  Again, I certainly would not use the
fnal machine shops because of a) they don't have the right equipment and
b) costs can not be controlled.

IF one builds a stripline prototype, then be prepared to build a shaking
stand to test the fatigue properties of the flex joint.  No point building
it w/o performing a fatigue test on the prototype.  I am nervous about the
welds failing.



2. Itemized suggestions, questions and concerns

(1)  Drop the floating clamp.


(2)  Consider exactly how the horn motion capability really helps the
experiment.  If it offers a truely necessary capability, then keep it.
Otherwise, drop motion capability and the flex joint with it,.assuming the
flex joint does not appreciably attenuate the vibrations transmitted into
the horn from the stripline.