Team leaders for the Toroidal Field Model Coil, photographed in front of the magnet test facility, are (front left to right) Phil Michael, Andy Pfeifer, (back left to right) Rui Vieira, Sam Pierson, Ted Golfinopoulos and Vinny Fry
Photo: Paul Rivenberg
May 5, 2022
In a ceremony held on May 5, the team leaders for the Plasma Science and Fusion Center’s Toroidal Field Model Coil (TFMC), selected by the Office of the Provost along with the Office of the Vice President for Research, received 2022 MIT Infinite Mile Awards.
Mechanical Engineer Vinny Fry, Research Scientist Ted Golfinopoulos, Operations Coordinator Andy Pfeiffer, Deputy Engineering Coordinator Sam Pierson, Research Scientist Phil Michael and Deputy Head of Magnetic Fusion Energy Engineering Rui Vieira were honored for their roles in designing and building the world’s preeminent large‐scale High Temperature Superconductor magnet. They also oversaw the fabrication of a cryogenic test facility, the installation of the new magnet and, on Labor Day weekend 2021, conducted a successful test, which reached the target 20 tesla magnetic field on the first attempt.
A testimonial read at the event provided vivid details of their efforts:
“Between May and September of 2021, in the final phase of magnet assembly and testing, the Toroidal Field Model Coil team had spent every day, including weekends, tirelessly assembling every precise part that went into the magnet and its test facility. They remained available to solve problems and ensure the project remained on track. On most nights, Ted was asleep on a futon down the hall from the cryogenic magnet (which requires 24/7 supervision), ready to return to the control room at a moment’s notice. Phil stayed hours after his 8-hour shift had ended to ensure things were progressing smoothly. Andrew was always the first person on-site early in the morning and the last to leave. Rui spent every day making sure every part fit together precisely as it should. Sam and Vinny spent days in clean-suits, climbing inside confined spaces in the vacuum vessels to carefully position every bolt. There were many things that could go wrong, and many things did go wrong: expensive parts didn’t fit, electricity shut off for a second, sensors failed. Nonetheless, it was the guidance and leadership of these six scientist and engineers, who were able to solve every problem that arose.”
The 20 Tesla magnet demonstration received world-wide attention, positioning the PSFC as a leader in the field.
The Infinite Mile Award is part of the Institute’s Rewards & Recognition Program. It recognizes exceptional employees and teams of employees who work in MIT departments, offices, labs and centers, or who are employed elsewhere and provide exemplary service the organizations.
Topics: SPARC, High field magnets, High-field pathway to fusion power, Dennis Whyte
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