This project investigates the validity of equivalent circuit models for the transient analysis of superconducting magnets. Superconducting magnets exhibit complex magneto-thermal behavior during dynamic events such as quenches and current ramps. The study compares simplified equivalent circuit approaches with detailed multiphysics simulations to evaluate their accuracy and limitations. Key performance metrics include voltage evolution, and thermal response during transients. The results aim to assess whether equivalent circuit models provide a reliable and computationally efficient alternative.

In particular, reduced-order circuit representations will be implemented in Xyce. They are benchmarked against existing high-fidelity finite element models developed within CERN’s Finite Element Quench Simulator (FiQuS). While Xyce enables efficient transient simulations based on lumped parameter networks, FiQuS resolves the coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields in two- or three-dimensional space. By systematically comparing both approaches under representative operating scenarios, the project quantifies the trade-offs between computational cost, modeling complexity, and predictive accuracy.