Neutron Source Target Layer Hydrogen Embrittlement Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small neutron sources face challenges with hydrogen embrittlement, leading to target degradation and limited operational time due to blistering, especially when using low-energy proton beams, and existing solutions either partially address the issue or are not applicable for all energy levels.
Innovation Solution
A neutron source design incorporating a support layer with a high hydrogen diffusion coefficient metal element, such as Vanadium, that rapidly diffuses and discharges generated hydrogen, combined with a target layer capable of producing neutrons using low-energy proton beams, to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and enhance mechanical strength, allowing for long-term continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If low energy proton beams are used to produce neutron beams, then the facility size can be reduced and handling becomes easier, but the target suffers from hydrogen embrittlement and blistering
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple layers: a neutron-producing material layer (Be or Li) and a support layer containing hydrogen-absorbing metal elements (V, Nb, Ta). This segmentation allows the neutron production function and hydrogen management function to be separated, enabling low-energy proton beam operation without blistering.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen-absorbing metal elements (V, Nb, Ta) are introduced as intermediary substances in the support layer. These materials absorb excess hydrogen generated during low-energy proton irradiation, preventing hydrogen accumulation and blistering in the neutron-producing material layer.
2Reliability
If a Pd film is used to absorb hydrogen, then hydrogen embrittlement is prevented, but the film thickness must be sufficient to ensure effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the hydrogen-absorbing layer from Pd (with specific diffusion properties) to hydrogen-absorbing metal elements (V, Nb, Ta) with different diffusion coefficients. This parameter change allows effective hydrogen management with optimized layer thickness, balancing effectiveness and structural considerations.
3Productivity
If the neutron-producing material layer is made thicker, then neutron production efficiency increases, but hydrogen accumulation and blistering risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The target structure is segmented into a neutron-producing material layer and a support layer with hydrogen-absorbing capabilities. This segmentation allows the neutron-producing layer to be optimized for thickness without compromising the system, as the support layer handles hydrogen removal independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer with hydrogen-absorbing metal elements acts as an intermediary that captures hydrogen before it accumulates in the neutron-producing material layer. This enables thicker neutron-producing layers to be used for higher efficiency without increasing blistering risk.
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 effectively prevents hydrogen embrittlement, maintains neutron generation efficiency, and reduces radioactivity, enabling safe and durable operation of the neutron source for extended periods with easy maintenance, making it suitable for small facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a support layer with a high hydrogen diffusion coefficient metal element, such as Vanadium, that rapidly diffuses and discharges generated hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
neutrons are produced by irradiating a target (e.g., Be, Li, or the like) with proton beams to thereby cause a nuclear reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel neutron source. A neutron source (1) of the present invention includes a neutron producing material layer (3) and a metal layer (2), and the metal layer (2) contains a metal element which has a high hydrogen diffusivity and generates radionuclides having a short half-life upon receipt of irradiation of neutron beams.