U.S. Particle Accelerator School
High Power Beam Targets (and Collimation) course
Sponsoring University:
Vanderbilt University
Course:
High Power Beam Targets (and Collimation)
Instructors:
John Haines, Phil Ferguson, Thomas McManamy, Erik Iverson and Louis Mansur, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Purpose and Audience
This course provides an introduction to the physics and engineering of using high power targets to produce particles for scientific applications, with an emphasis on modern spallation neutron sources. The underlying physical and mathematical principles will be emphasized through a series of lectures and homework assignments. It is appropriate for anyone with a background in mechanical or nuclear engineering or physics and with an interest in high power targetry.
Prerequisites
The students will be assumed to have basic knowledge of mechanical or nuclear engineering or physics.
Objectives
The students are expected to learn the fundamental principles used to design high power targets and collimators. Upon completion of this course, they will be able to apply this knowledge in practical examples of high power targets and their associated sub-systems.
Instructional Method
The course includes four series of lectures during the morning, followed by afternoon sessions with tutorial exercises on specific examples corresponding to the material of the morning lectures. Problem sets will be assigned every day and students are expected to work on them after scheduled class sessions and return them by the next day, when the problems will be solved and discussed. There will be an open-book exam during the last (fifth) day. The instructors will be available at all times.
Course Content
Following a brief overview and history of the field, the underlying physical principles of using high power beam targets to produce particles for scientific applications will be introduced. Next, the physical limits on power handling will be rigorously derived and practical limits introduced. Materials science derived limits based on radiation damage, physical properties, and materials compatibility will be discussed for various target and structural materials. Finally, basic design features for target-related sub-systems, engineering optimization and constraints, and operating experience with various target types will be presented.
Grading
Students will be evaluated based on performance as follows: final exam (30% of final grade), homework assignments and lab (70% of final grade).