An efficient algorithm for computation of spatial heat generation during interaction of high energy proton beam with target materials

Abstract

The interaction of a proton beam with target material leads to heat generation and subsequently temperature rise in the target materials. Conventionally, the mechanical design of target materials involves thermal analysis with heat input through proton energy deposition using Monte Carlo based particle transport codes. This computation involves two step process: simulation of proton energy deposition and thermal analysis. In the present work, a single step Semi Empirical heat generation algorithm (SEHG) is developed that enhances the capability of a thermal solver to compute energy deposition by proton beam on target materials. The results of SEHG algorithm is benchmarked with, ‘FLUKA’ up to 1 GeV beam energy and is valid till the onset of nucleon disintegration phase. The developed algorithm paved ways for a simple and efficient investigation for thermal effects of beam – material interactions, without compromising the quality of mechanical design performance.