Leader: Ivan Kushnir
Work phone number: +7 (496) 216-36-63
Work E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Scientific problem:
The technology of a pelletized cryogenic neutron moderator based on the aromatic hydrocarbon mesitylene is successfully used for the production of cold neutrons on research neutron sources, in particular, pulsed reactors of average intensity to study the structure and properties of complex long-period systems.
In the pelletized cryogenic moderators operating at the IBR-2 reactor (JINR, Dubna), their chambers, positioned directly near the core, are filled with solid frozen mesitylene by pneumatically transporting cold helium through a complex pipeline. This chamber loading technique allows for the easy removal of the energy release from the moderation of high-energy neutrons, as well as prevention of a critical pressure increase caused by radiolytic hydrogen that is produced due to irradiation and is released intensively during the heating of the chamber. It enables a safe long-term operation of such a moderator. Another undeniable advantage of such a cold neutron source is the ability to load and unload the moderator chamber in a short period of time.
All these advantages of the mesitylene-based pelletized cryogenic neutron moderator are proposed for use in the development of a universal cryogenic moderator concept for research neutron sources of any power and intensity, both in Russia and worldwide.
One of the key tasks in developing the transport system of cryogenic balls is the investigation of the structure for thermal bridges, as well as the resulting thermoelastic stresses and strains.
Objective:
Optimization of the design of the mesitylene bead-shaped transport system in terms of thermal bridges and thermoelastic deformations.
Tasks:
1. Thermal-hydraulic analysis of the transport system.
2. One-way coupled thermal and structural analysis of the transport system.
3.Analysis of the obtained results and formulation of recommendations for modifications to the transport system design.
Research facilities:
PC, ANSYS software package