What question did this study set out to answer?

To analyze changes in tungsten thermal conductivity as proton-induced damage in a spallation neutron target increases.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Measurements of decreasing tungsten thermal conductivity in an operating spallation neutron target

Key Points

To analyze changes in tungsten thermal conductivity as proton-induced damage in a spallation neutron target increases.
Measured temperature decay rates of tantalum-clad tungsten plates during proton irradiation.
Switched off the proton beam to observe thermal conductivity changes.
Analyzed data from the ISIS First Target Station to assess performance under operational conditions.
Observed a decrease in tungsten thermal conductivity correlating with increased proton beam exposure.
Data suggests significant degradation of tungsten properties under continuous irradiation.

Abstract

Temperature measurements on the new-style tantalum-clad tungsten plate target for the ISIS First Target Station (TS-1) have been analysed to provide information on changes in tungsten thermal conductivity as proton-beam-induced damage to the tungsten in the target increases. The analysis is based on high-resolution measurement of target plate temperature decay rates when the irradiating proton beam is suddenly switched off, so that the resultant thermal conductivity data are obtained directly from a proton-driven spallation neutron target whilst the target is being irradiated.

Measurements of decreasing tungsten thermal conductivity in an operating spallation neutron target

Key Points

Abstract

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