Molybdenum-100 Target Brazed to Copper Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing technetium-99m and molybdenum-99 using particle accelerators face challenges in scalability and reliability due to thermal stress and material degradation issues with current target assembly materials like silver and copper, which anneal at low temperatures and cannot withstand mechanical stresses during particle bombardment.
Innovation Solution
A target system comprising a sintered molybdenum-100 body furnace-brazed to a dispersion-strengthened copper composite backing using a silver-copper-phosphorus brazing filler, which provides high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, mitigating thermal stress and ensuring durability under irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If water cooling is used to remove heat loads from targets, then thermal energy dissipation is improved, but target assembly materials must have high thermal conductivity which causes annealing at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite target assembly structure consisting of a molybdenum target material bonded to a copper backing plate. The copper backing provides high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation while the molybdenum target layer maintains structural integrity under particle bombardment. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both effective cooling and resistance to annealing.
2Temperature
If target assemblies are constructed from materials with high thermal conductivity to maximize heat dissipation, then thermal management is improved, but mechanical strength decreases due to annealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material properties to different regions of the target assembly. The copper backing plate provides high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the molybdenum target layer provides mechanical strength and resistance to thermal annealing. Each material is positioned where its specific properties are most needed.
3Loss of energy
If silver or copper is used for target assembly fabrication to improve heat dissipation, then thermal conductivity is improved, but annealing occurs at temperatures as low as 100°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a brazing technique as an intermediary method to join the copper backing to the molybdenum target. The brazing process creates a strong metallurgical bond that allows the two materials to work together effectively, transferring heat from the target to the backing while maintaining structural integrity under thermal and mechanical stress.
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 solution enables the production of technetium and molybdenum radioisotopes by effectively managing thermal expansion and mechanical stability, enhancing the scalability and reliability of the target system for particle irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
A target system comprising a sintered molybdenum-100 body furnace-brazed to a dispersion-strengthened copper composite backing using a silver-copper-phosphorus brazing filler, which provides high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength
Implementation Method 2
production of technetium-99m and molybdenum-99 from molybdenum-100 using particle accelerators exemplified by cyclotrons
Implementation Method 3
A target system comprising a sintered molybdenum-100 body furnace-brazed to a dispersion-strengthened copper composite backing using a silver-copper-phosphorus brazing filler
Data Source
AI summary
A target system for irradiation of molybdenum with charged particles from an accelerator to produce technetium and molybdenum radioisotopes. The target system comprises a molybdenum-100 material brazed with a brazing alloy to a backing material. The backing material preferably comprises a dispersion-strengthened copper composite. The brazing alloy comprises copper and phosphorus.