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

by David A Mcclintock, Bernard W Riemer, Phillip D Ferguson, Adam J Carroll, Michael J Dayton
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Journal Name
Journal of Nuclear Materials
Publication Date
Page Numbers
147 to 159
Volume
431
Issue
1-3
Conference Name
10th International Workshop on Spallation Materials Technology (IWSMT-10)
Conference Location
Beijing, China
Conference Date
-

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.