Design selection for second-generation electron-photon converter in view of photonuclear 225Ac production
The project is related to the photonuclear production of 225Ac by PanTera, the joint-venture of SCK CEN and IBA. To produce 225Ac, an electron beam is sent onto the electron-gamma converter. In that converter, the electrons create photons through bremsstrahlung. These photons then irradiate a 226Ra target to produce 225Ac.
Objectif
The proposed thesis focuses on the electron-gamma converter. The best conversion efficiency is obtained using high-Z materials (W, Ta, Mo, LBE e.g.). As the converter is subject to high local power density for relatively long periods (several days), it must be cooled (water, pressurized He).
Different designs for the converter and targets were already identified by SCK CEN in its report “Targets for photonuclear production of radionuclides_Internal report - I - SCK CEN.docx”. The proposed work will investigate promising designs of the converter and select the most efficient one(s) through MCNPX and thermal simulations.
Le niveau de diplôme minimum du candidat
- Master en sciences
- Master en sciences de l'ingénieur
Les connaissances préexistantes nécessaires
- Other