Thermomechanical design of a static gas target for electron accelerators

TL;DR

This paper presents a thermomechanical design of high-pressure gas cells for electron accelerator targets, focusing on heat transfer and mechanical stability, with a case study for Jefferson Laboratory using ANSYS simulations.

Contribution

The paper introduces a detailed design methodology for high-pressure gas targets suitable for hydrogen and helium isotopes, emphasizing thermomechanical analysis for accelerator applications.

Findings

Aluminum alloy cells meet design requirements for high-pressure gas targets.

ANSYS simulations effectively evaluate heat transfer and mechanical integrity.

Design tailored for Jefferson Laboratory's operational conditions.

Abstract

Gas targets are often used at accelerator facilities. A design of high-pressure gas cells that are suitable for hydrogen and helium isotopes at relatively high electron beam currents is presented. In particular, we consider rare gas targets, $^3$H$_2$ and $^3$He. In the design, heat transfer and mechanical integrity of the target cell are emphasized. ANSYS 12 was used for the thermo-mechanical studies of the target cell. Since the ultimate goal in this study was to design a gas target for use at the Jefferson Laboratory (JLab), particular attention is given to the typical operating conditions found there. It is demonstrated that an aluminum alloy cell can meet the required design goals.