Speaker
Description
Reliable access to radiotherapy remains unsatisfactory in many Lower- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to date, where a lack of Linear Accelerators (LINACs) and consistent machinery failures cause delayed treatment. In some cases, machine downtime can leave patients without care for extended periods of time. Previous studies identified the Multileaf Collimator (MLC) as an under-studied point of failure within LINACs and therefore, improving the understanding of MLC behaviour may support the optimisation of these systems for robustness and maintenance.
This study demonstrates the foundations of a mechatronic state-space representation of the MLC leaf drive. Consisting of a DC motor, gearbox, flexible lead screw, and tungsten leaf assembly. The state-space model describes the coupled electromechanical dynamics of the system, including the motor current, lead screw torsional deformation, system damping and compliance, and leaf motion. External forces are represented in friction and lubrication models, and lead screw failure modes are assessed through thread shearing and buckling.
The developed model provides a foundation for future design optimisation of MLC systems and may contribute to improving LINAC behaviour predictions.
| Presenting Author | Alexandra Speight |
|---|---|
| Is the Presenting Author a PhD Student or Early Career Scientist ? | No |
| Area of research | Theory & simulations |