Initial observations of cavitation-induced erosion of liquid metal spallation target vessels at the Spallation Neutron Source

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2012

OSTI ID:1056899

McClintock, David A ^[1]; Riemer, Bernie ^[1]; Ferguson, Phillip D ^[1]; Carroll, Adam J ^[1]; Dayton, Michael J ^[1]

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1. ORNL

During operation of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory the mechanical properties of the AISI 316L target module are altered by high-energy neutron and proton radiation. The interior surfaces of the target vessel are also damaged by cavitation-induced erosion, which results from repetitive rapid heating of the liquid mercury by high-energy proton beam pulses. Until recently no observations of cavitation-induced erosion were possible for conditions prototypical to the SNS. Post irradiation examination (PIE) of the first and second operational SNS targets was performed to gain insight into the radiation-induced changes in mechanical properties of the 316L target material and the extent of cavitation-induced erosion to the target vessel inner surfaces. Observations of cavitation-induced erosion of the first and second operational SNS target modules are presented here, including images of the target vessel interiors and specimens removed from the target beam-entrance regions.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Spallation Neutron Source
• Sponsoring Organization: SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1056899
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

SNS target
cavitation
damage
erosion
mercury
pitting
radiation damage