Radial Ion Beam Paths for Neutron Target Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron beam generation systems face challenges with target degradation due to prolonged exposure to ion beams, leading to high maintenance costs and system downtime, particularly in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) applications.
Innovation Solution
A computational model is employed to optimize the scanning profile of ion beams across a target surface, using a combination of radial orientations and patterns to minimize peak transient temperature and improve thermal performance, allowing for efficient neutron beam generation while reducing target degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ion beam is continuously exposed to the target for neutron beam generation, then the neutron beam production is maintained, but the target degrades due to thermal accumulation and prolonged exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The beam scanning path is divided into multiple radial orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) that segment the target surface into distinct scanning zones. Each orientation scans a different set of regions, distributing the thermal load across the entire target surface rather than concentrating it in one area, thereby extending target lifespan while maintaining continuous neutron production
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic switching between different radial scanning orientations with specific duty cycles. Each orientation is activated for a predetermined time period, then switched to the next orientation in sequence. This periodic action allows thermal diffusion between scanning passes and prevents localized overheating, maintaining both productivity and target reliability
2Reliability
If the target is replaced frequently to maintain functionality, then the system reliability is improved, but the system downtime and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning profile is pre-configured with multiple radial orientations and time periods before operation begins. The computational model pre-calculates the optimal scanning paths and timing to distribute thermal loads evenly across the target surface from the start of operation, preventing premature degradation and eliminating the need for frequent target replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam scanning parameters including radial orientation angles, time periods for each orientation, and beam intensity distribution. These dynamic adjustments are made based on real-time monitoring of target temperature and neutron production efficiency, allowing the system to optimize performance and extend target life without interruption to neutron beam generation
3Temperature
If the beam scans across the target surface, then the thermal load is distributed, but the peak transient temperature may still exceed the target's temperature limit
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning profile applies different time periods and beam intensities to different radial orientations based on local thermal conditions. Regions that receive higher beam intensity in one scanning pass are given longer cooling periods before being scanned again, creating a locally optimized thermal management strategy that prevents peak temperatures from exceeding material limits
Solution Approach 2:
The computational model predicts peak transient temperatures for each scanning profile configuration before implementation. If predicted peak temperatures approach the target's temperature limit, the model pre-adjusts the scanning parameters (reducing beam intensity, increasing time between passes, or changing radial orientation sequence) to prevent temperature excursions before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relate to selecting a raster profile for scanning a proton beam across a target. A raster profile is selected from among the plurality of plurality of possible raster profiles based on a value of a figure of merit. A beam is directed across the target surface to form a pattern that is repeated one or more times at different radial orientations to form a scanning profile. A target temperature is monitored while scanning the beam across the target surface according to the scanning profile. The scanning parameters are changeable to avoid target damaging, to improve thermal performance and to optimize particle loading.