DETECTION OF VOIDS IN LIQUID MERCURY DURING 800-MEV PROTON BOMBARDMENT

摘要

A stainless steel vessel, geometrically similar to designs for the Spallation Neutron Source target, instrumented with fiber optic sensors, was bombarded by 800-MeV protons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center during a series of tests studying the effects of cavitation on material surfaces. The fiber sensors, in contact with the liquid mercury, recorded numerous signal changes identifiable with voids. Sensors were located both along the stainless steel interface with the mercury and within the bulk liquid. Signal excursions lasting up to several milliseconds were recorded. In all but a few of the 27 recorded data sets the signals had subsided in less than 15 milliseconds. Details of the measurement method, analysis techniques, and results are given.