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