An efficient algorithm for computation of spatial heat generation during interaction of high energy proton beam with target materials

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Vol. 461; pp. 16 - 24
• Main Authors: Nidhin, S.L., Joshi, S.C., Paul, C.P., Senecha, V.K., Sharma, N.K., Kane, G.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.12.2019
• Subjects: Accelerator driven sub-critical reactor (ADS); Beam dump; Energy deposition; Heat generation; Proton accelerators; Proton beam; Spallation neutron source; Spallation target; Target materials; Energy deposition; Heat generation; Spallation target; Proton beam; Spallation neutron source; Proton accelerators; Target materials; Accelerator driven sub-critical reactor (ADS); Beam dump
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2019.09.016

The interaction of a proton beam with target material leads to heat generation and subsequently temperature rise in the target materials. Conventionally, the mechanical design of target materials involves thermal analysis with heat input through proton energy deposition using Monte Carlo based particle transport codes. This computation involves two step process: simulation of proton energy deposition and thermal analysis. In the present work, a single step Semi Empirical heat generation algorithm (SEHG) is developed that enhances the capability of a thermal solver to compute energy deposition by proton beam on target materials. The results of SEHG algorithm is benchmarked with, ‘FLUKA’ up to 1 GeV beam energy and is valid till the onset of nucleon disintegration phase. The developed algorithm paved ways for a simple and efficient investigation for thermal effects of beam – material interactions, without compromising the quality of mechanical design performance.