Speaker
Description
Authors: S. Gallimore, D. Coates, L. Jones, M Probert & C. Russell
Institution: ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, STFC, UKRI
The operational lifetime of the tantalum clad tungsten target used on Target Station 2 (TS2) [1] at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source remains below the performance originally specified during facility construction, despite sustained development efforts over the past two decades. Numerous previous presentations [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] have documented the work done to understand the underlying causes as well as design modifications and operational strategies intended to improve target robustness and extend service life.
To support the next generation of target design, ISIS has initiated a structured programme of post irradiation examination (PIE) on retired TS2 targets — an activity made more challenging by the current absence of a dedicated PIE facility on site. This programme aims to generate insight into possible in service material degradation, damage mechanisms, and component performance under mixed proton/neutron irradiation. This information will be directly fed back into simulation refinement, materials modelling, and future design iterations.
This contribution reports on the progress of the PIE programme to date, highlights key early findings, and outlines future plans for expanding the scope and impact of the work.
References:
[1] - An Overview of ISIS Neutron Spallation Targets (AHIPS 2024), L. Jones https://indico.ijclab.in2p3.fr/event/10644/contributions/35451/attachments/24312/35378/An Overview of ISIS Neutron Spallation Targets.pdf
[2] - ISIS Target Station 2 – Update on Target Evolution (HPTW 2023), L. Jones https://indico2.riken.jp/event/3102/contributions/21965/attachments/12307/18009/HPTW2023-ISIS Target Station 2 Update on Target Evolution V2.pptx
[3] - Application of LES to the Thermal–Hydraulics of Target Station 2 of the ISIS Muon and Neutron Source (DLES 2023 Conference Paper), G. Cartland-Glover et al. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-47028-8_10
[4] - Measurement of residual strain in tantalum-clad tungsten after hot isostatic pressing (Journal of Nuclear Materials Research, 2020), D. Wilcox et al. https://doi.org/10.3233/JNR-200181
[5] – Measuring Residual Strain After Hot Isostatic Pressing of ISIS Target Plates (HPTW, 2018) D. Wilcox https://indico.fnal.gov/event/15204/contributions/30155/attachments/18930/23725/25-Measuring_Residual_Strain_after_Hot_Isostatic_Pressing_of_ISIS_Target_Plates.pdf
[6] – Stress Levels and Failure Modes of Tantalum Clad Tungsten Targets at ISIS (Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2018), D.Wilcox et al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022311516312041
[7] - Simulating Performance of Tantalum Clad Tungsten Targets (IWSMT-13, 2016), D. Wilcox
https://conference.sns.gov/event/20/images/2907-Simulating_Performance_of_Tantalum_Clad_Tungsten_Targets_-_Dan_Wilcox.pdf
[8] - Design Modification of ISIS TS2 Target in order to Improve Longevity amid Spallation Reactions (IWSMT, 2013), A. Dey, L. Jones https://conference.sns.gov/event/20/images/2878-Design_Modification_of_ISIS_TS2_Target_in_Order_to...-_Arghya_Dey.pdf
| Other | Target-Moderator design |
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