Digital Electron Beam Simulation for 3D Dose Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dosimeters are limited in measuring the three-dimensional dose distribution during electron beam processing, particularly in small structures and cannot provide full insights into the dose uniformity and effectiveness of electron beam applications such as sterilization and material modification.
Innovation Solution
A method using computer simulations to calculate the three-dimensional dose distribution by dividing objects into volume elements and tallying the dose absorbed by each element, allowing for a digital representation of the object and providing insights into dose uniformity and effectiveness without physical construction, using a parameterized model of the electron source and a graphical user interface for configuration and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dosimeters are used to measure dose distribution, then dose measurement is possible, but the measurement is limited in three-dimensional dose distribution and cannot provide full insights into dose uniformity and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital twin (virtual copy) of the object being irradiated, allowing simulation of electron beam interactions without physical dosimeters. This digital replica enables comprehensive three-dimensional dose distribution analysis while avoiding the limitations of physical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical dosimeter measurements with computer simulation algorithms that model electron beam interactions. This substitution allows for complete three-dimensional dose mapping without the spatial and dimensional constraints of physical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If physical dosimeters are used to measure dose, then dose data can be obtained, but the device complexity and limitations prevent full analysis of small structures and dose uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex physical dosimeter systems, the patent creates a simplified digital representation of the object. This virtual model captures all necessary geometric and material information, enabling comprehensive dose analysis without the complexity of physical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer simulation system as an intermediary between the electron beam and the object. This simulation intermediary processes the electron beam parameters and object geometry to calculate three-dimensional dose distributions, eliminating the need for complex physical dosimeter arrays.
3Reliability
If electron beam processing is applied to sterilization and material modification, then processing effectiveness is improved, but accurate measurement of dose distribution remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where simulation results are compared with actual processing outcomes. This allows validation and optimization of the electron beam processing parameters to ensure reliable sterilization and material modification while maintaining accurate dose distribution knowledge through simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital twins to create accurate virtual models of objects undergoing electron beam processing. These digital copies enable precise calculation of three-dimensional dose distributions, providing the measurement precision needed to ensure processing effectiveness without physical measurement limitations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate analysis of the three-dimensional dose distribution, overcoming the limitations of dosimeters by providing detailed insights into dose uniformity and effectiveness, allowing for precise control of electron beam processing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The possible interactions of electrons with the object's medium are elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, and Bremsstrahlung emission. Elastic interactions are those in which the energy of the incident electron is the same before and after the interaction
Implementation Method 2
Inelastic scattering is the dominant energy loss mechanism for electrons with low and intermediate energies, and results in electronic excitations and ionizations in the object's medium
Implementation Method 3
When electrons are decelerated by the strong electromagnetic field of an atomic nucleus, the lost kinetic energy is converted into emitted radiation called Bremsstrahlung radiation
Implementation Method 4
The dose delivered to the object from the electron beam breaks the DNA chains in living organisms, resulting in microbial death
Implementation Method 5
Chain scission breaks long polymer chains into smaller units, thus reducing the molecular weight
Implementation Method 6
Crosslinks are chemical bonds that connect adjacent polymer chains together. Crosslinking severely limits molecular motion, which can lead to improvements in the thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of the material
Implementation Method 7
Electron beam processing is additionally used for curing (polymerize liquid resins into coatings, inks, or adhesives)
Implementation Method 8
The irradiation of food (mainly meat, fruit, vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices) with an electron beam is an effective way to eliminate food-borne pathogens and extend shelf life
Data Source
AI summary
A digital representation of an object is formed. The properties of incident electrons are calculated from a parameterized source model and the irradiation of the object is simulated. The particle-matter interactions for a material of the object are calculated. The amount of absorbed dose at locations at the object is calculated. The digital representation of the object is modified in response to an input from a user and the modified digital representation of the object is displayed.