3D modeling and simulation of the thermal performance of solid cyclotron targets

COMSOL Multiphysics was used to model and simulate the thermal performance of solid targets irradiated with charged particles. Parametric solutions for beam power densities in the range from 1.5 10⁵ to 1.5 10⁶ W/m² and cooling water flow velocities from 0.2 to 4.0 m/s were obtained for different plate materials. Results showed that materials with a high thermal conductivity to heat capacity ratio behave better in cooling dynamic systems requiring fast dissipation of heat. Results also showed that water flow rates greater than 2.6 L/min do not noticeably improve the heat dissipation of solid targets irradiated with charged particles. (authors)