Analytical determination of the thermal/mechanical performance of traveling wave tube electron guns

The thermal/structural performance of electron guns has historically been overshadowed by electrical design constraints. However, with increased demands made upon the total performance, reliability and efficiency of electron guns, mechanical design considerations have become very important, often requiring complex analysis and design to obtain satisfactory results. To aid in the understanding and development of modern and improved electron guns, certain sophisticated computer analytical techniques have been developed. These techniques provide insight into a detailed knowledge of electron gun mechanical performance, information on developing efficient design, and a means by which complex system problems can be solved. Moreover, it allows this to be done in a timely and cost effective manner. This paper will present a description of these analytical techniques and how they may be used to understand and improve electron gun thermal/structural performance.