Detrimental beam dynamics effects limit performance of high intensity rapid cycling synchrotrons (RCS) such as the 8 GeV proton Fermilab Booster. Here we report the results of comprehensive experimental studies of various beam intensity dependent effects in the Booster. In the first part, we report the dependencies of the Booster beam intensity losses on the total number of protons per pulse and on key operational parameters such as the machine tunes and chromaticities. Then we cross-check two methods of the beam emittance measurements (the multi-wires proportional chambers and the ionization profile monitors). Finally we used the intensity dependent emittance growth effects to analyze the ultimate performance of the machine in present configuration, with the maximum space-charge tuneshift parameter Qsc of 0.6, and after its injection energy is upgraded from 0.4 GeV to 0.8 GeV.
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