Liquid Metal Target Nozzle Curvature for Proton Beam Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid metal target systems face challenges in increasing the proton beam irradiation area and neutron generation efficiency due to the suppression of free surface waves at high flow velocities, limiting the effective surface area for proton interaction with liquid lithium.
Innovation Solution
A liquid metal target forming apparatus with a nozzle that forms a concavo-convex or irregular shape in the discharge port, increasing the surface area by creating standing waves or fluctuating free liquid levels, enhancing the interaction with proton beams and preventing boiling through controlled flow rates and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If liquid lithium flows at high speed on the curving back wall to form a film flow, then centrifugal force smooths the free liquid level, but the irradiation area that can be irradiated with proton beam cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge port of the nozzle is designed with a curved surface instead of a flat surface. Specifically, the discharge port has a concave curvature in the flow direction, which allows the liquid lithium to form a film flow that adheres to the curved surface. This curvature enables the liquid metal to maintain contact with the back wall over a larger area, increasing the irradiation area available for proton beam irradiation while still utilizing centrifugal force to manage the free liquid level
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat discharge port to a three-dimensional curved discharge port. By introducing curvature in the flow direction, the liquid lithium film can wrap around the curved surface, effectively increasing the surface area in contact with the back wall. This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate both high flow velocity requirements and increased irradiation area requirements simultaneously
2Productivity
If the irradiation area is increased, then neutron generation efficiency is improved, but waves are generated on the free surface at high flow velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful wave generation at high flow velocities into a beneficial feature. By designing the discharge port with specific curvature, the waves that would normally disrupt the free surface are transformed into a controlled wave pattern that increases the effective irradiation area. The wave structure created by the curved discharge port enhances neutron generation efficiency while the centrifugal force continues to suppress excessive free surface oscillations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the discharge port, specifically introducing curvature radius and profile shape as critical parameters. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system achieves a balance where high flow velocities generate beneficial wave patterns for increased irradiation area while centrifugal force maintains adequate free surface stability. The curvature radius and profile are specifically designed to control wave formation and prevent boiling
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
The enhanced surface area increases neutron generation efficiency by allowing more effective proton interaction and maintaining liquid lithium flow stability, preventing evaporation and improving energy transfer for nuclear reactions.
Implementation Method 1
When causing liquid lithium to flow on the back wall 505, it is devised so that a wave of the free liquid level is suppressed to a predetermined value or less... centrifugal force acts such that a free liquid level of liquid lithium sprayed from a rectangular nozzle becomes smooth
Implementation Method 2
A liquid metal target forming apparatus with a nozzle that forms a concavo-convex or irregular shape in the discharge port, increasing the surface area by creating standing waves or fluctuating free liquid levels
Implementation Method 3
When an accelerator causes a proton to collide with liquid lithium flowing on the back wall 505, a neutron is generated behind liquid lithium
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid metal target forming apparatus, including a nozzle that forms a liquid metal target in space, which is irradiated with a proton beam, by ejecting liquid metal thereto. A portion where a region that receives a proton beam of the liquid metal target is formed in a discharge port of the nozzle has a concavo-convex shape.