'Rare Access' event provides activities and demonstrations

16 August 2016

At the "Rare Access” event, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the fields of FRIB research with several hands-on activities and demonstrations. Demonstrations include:

  • Control Systems: Test your skills as a cyclotron operator. Control the position of a “float” in a 7-foot tall acrylic tube using your eyes, brains, and hands in this demonstration of a simple control system.
  • Mechanical Design: Come see how 3D printing is playing a role in constructing FRIB! View 3D-printed parts and an animated flythrough of a section of the tunnel.
  • Superconducting Radio Frequency Cavities: View four mock-up cavity models, one of each of the FRIB cavity types. The cavities — 332 total — will be used in the linear accelerator to accelerate the beam.
  • FRIB Model: Check out the 3D model of the FRIB facility under construction. We recommend reviewing it before you take the FRIB tour to help you visualize the completed facility.
  • Radiation Detection: See how our detectors measure particles that are invisible to the most powerful microscopes!
  • Isotopolis Video Game: Play the video game about FRIB/ NSCL, smashing virtual nuclei and discovering new isotopes.
  • Airtrack Accelerator: Test your reflexes as you operate a real electromagnetic accelerator!
  • JINA-CEE Kids’ Corner: A corner for kids ages 3+ with coloring pages and activity sheets related to nuclear astrophysics.
  • Dress-up Station: Sometimes our research requires safety equipment – try some on and snap a picture!
  • Demonstrations for Students of All Ages: Learn why tools like light just aren’t precise enough to study nuclei and why “smashing more” with FRIB will make such a difference.
  • Super Conductivity: Discover the amazing properties of materials which have no electrical resistance and make levitation possible!
  • Nuclear Theory Shell Model: Why are magic numbers magic and why is the spell broken? Come learn about nuclear theory in the 21st century.
  • Marble Nuclei Fragmentation: Try your hand at smashing model "nuclei" composed of magnetic marbles and see if you can create a rare isotope!
  • Banner Signing: Leave your mark on a piece of FRIB history! Sign the “Bring FRIB to our crib” banner that was used during MSU’s bid to win FRIB.

The open house is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 20 August. The open house is free and open to all ages, and no appointment is necessary to participate.

Download the open house poster (PDF) here.

The last tours will start at 4 p.m., meaning attendees will have until 5 p.m. to tour and participate in the events. Free parking will be available in both the Shaw Lane and Wharton Center parking ramps, and handicap parking will be available near the event entrance. Questions? Email events@frib.msu.edu

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