PEEK 3D Printed Insulation Base for High-Voltage Neutron Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron sources face challenges in maintaining the high-voltage potential and cooling of neutron targets while ensuring vacuum sealing and minimizing y-ray generation.
Innovation Solution
A supporting insulation base with cylindrical coolant and high-voltage channels, integrated with upper and lower cover plates, is designed using 3D printing with PEEK material to provide insulation, vacuum sealing, and cooling while supporting high-voltage and neutron target operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a neutron target is bombarded by a beam, then the temperature increases, but the target structure must maintain integrity and insulation under high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The target support structure is divided into functionally independent modules: a target holder for the neutron target, a separate insulation base for electrical isolation, and a cooling system with coolant channels. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation base acts as an intermediary component between the conductive target holder and the external environment. It provides electrical isolation while mechanically supporting the target holder, enabling the target to be maintained at high voltage potential without compromising the structural integrity or safety of the overall system.
2Temperature
If a coolant liquid is needed to cool the target, then the temperature is controlled, but the vacuum condition in the shooting chamber must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is extracted and integrated directly into the target holder structure through embedded coolant channels. This allows the cooling function to be performed within the vacuum chamber without requiring external cooling equipment that would compromise the vacuum seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The target holder and cooling system are merged into a single integrated component. The coolant channels are formed within the target holder body, combining the mechanical support function and thermal management function into one structure that maintains vacuum sealing while providing effective cooling.
3Ease of operation
If the target support structure is connected with high voltage, then the neutron source lead-out is enabled, but the structure may be broken down by high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation base serves as an intermediary that provides electrical isolation between the high-voltage target holder and the external environment. It enables the target holder to be maintained at negative high voltage potential while preventing electrical breakdown through its high dielectric strength material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation base is made from composite materials with high dielectric strength and good mechanical properties, combining electrical insulation capabilities with structural support functions to withstand high voltage conditions without breakdown.
4Strength
If the target structure interacts with base material during neutron movement, then structural support is provided, but y rays are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The target holder is designed with localized structural support features only where mechanically necessary, minimizing the amount of material in the neutron path. The insulation base provides support where needed while maintaining large open spaces to reduce neutron-material interactions and y ray generation.
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 cools the neutron target and extraction electrode, maintains high-voltage potential, and ensures vacuum sealing, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of compact neutron sources.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical coolant liquid channel... provide coolant liquid for the neutron target and the extraction electrode
Implementation Method 2
flows to internal cooling channels of the neutron target and a extraction electrode respectively, and provide coolant liquid for the neutron target and the extraction electrode
Implementation Method 3
integrally formed by 3D printing using a PEEK material... ensuring the negative high voltage
Implementation Method 4
sealing shall be ensured... ensures vacuum sealing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a supporting insulation base of a negative high-voltage potential neutron target of a compact neutron source, including a cylindrical coolant liquid channel, a cylindrical high-voltage channel, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which are integrally formed by 3D printing using a PEEK material. The cylindrical coolant liquid channel respectively provides coolant liquid for a extraction electrode and a neutron target; the cylindrical high-voltage channel provides a negative high voltage for the extraction electrode and the neutron target; the cylindrical channel is connected to the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate; a cooling channel is provided inside the upper cover plate, the lower cover plate is used for sealing a vacuum chamber and supporting the cylindrical channel, and a sealing groove is provided on a surface of the lower cover plate for sealing the vacuum chamber; the PEEK material has higher voltage resistance; and 3D printing can omit the design of a butt seal between the cylindrical channel and the upper and lower cover plates, reducing the cost and improving economic efficiency. The structure of the present disclosure has the functions of insulation, vacuum sealing and reducing y rays while ensuring the negative high voltage and cooling for the electrode and the neutron target, so as to support the application of the compact negative high-voltage neutron source.