Neutron Shielding Device With High Conductivity Cooling Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron screen devices face challenges in stability and thermal management due to strong mechanical voltages and thermal loads during operation.
Innovation Solution
A neutron screen device with a steel plate and a layer of material with higher thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, featuring channels for coolant flow, which enhances thermal management and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling channels are milled into steel plates and connected by welding, then thermal management is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to strong mechanical stresses during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple steel plates with cooling channels, where each plate can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for better stress distribution and maintains mechanical stability while providing effective cooling pathways throughout the neutron shielding device.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling channels are pre-formed in the steel plates before final assembly. The plates are manufactured with integrated cooling pathways, and connection elements are pre-installed, allowing the structure to be assembled in a stable configuration that maintains both thermal management and mechanical integrity under operational stresses.
2Reliability
If austenitic steel with high nickel content is used for neutron shielding, then neutron shielding effectiveness is improved, but material cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steel composition parameters are optimized to achieve the minimum required nickel content (greater than 8%) for austenitic structure and effective neutron shielding. By carefully controlling the alloying element parameters, the device achieves reliable neutron shielding while avoiding excessive material complexity and cost.
3Temperature
If multiple steel plates with channels are stacked and welded together, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The neutron shielding device is segmented into multiple identical or similar steel plates, each with integrated cooling channels. This allows for standardized manufacturing of individual plates, which can then be rapidly assembled using connection elements, improving both cooling efficiency and manufacturing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each steel plate serves multiple functions: neutron shielding, structural support, and heat dissipation through integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying assembly and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining effective cooling across the entire device.
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 proposed design significantly improves thermal stability and mechanical robustness, enabling effective neutron shielding while minimizing material expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, a cooling liquid may flow through the one or more channels to prevent the neutron shielding device from overheating
Implementation Method 2
a cooling liquid may flow through the one or more channels
Implementation Method 3
The layer can be made of a material that has better thermal conductivity than the steel plate. The thermal conductivity of the material from which the layer is formed can be at least twice the thermal conductivity of the steel.
Implementation Method 4
A neutron shielding device can shield neutrons. Neutrons interact with the neutron shielding device and are thereby shielded.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a neutron shielding device (1) with a steel plate (2) and a layer (3) on the plate (2), wherein the layer (3) has one or more channels (4), wherein the one or more channels (4) have at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and wherein the thermal conductivity of the layer (3) is at least twice as high or at least five times as high as the thermal conductivity of the steel plate (2).