Dynamic Response of Mercury Subjected to Pressure Wave

Abstract

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is carrying out R&D for constructing the facility of high intensity spallation neutron source which may bring us innovative science fields. A high power pulsed proton beam will be injected into a mercury target for nuclear spallation reaction. Due to the pulsed proton injection, mercury is heated rapidly and pressure waves are generated. The mercury target vessel, in which mercury is enclosed, is subjected to the pressure waves. Dynamic response of mercury, such as the pressure waves in mercury, is important to evaluate the integrity of the mercury target vessel. In order to examine the dynamic response of mercury, we have carried out impact experiments on mercury by using the split-Hopkinson pressure-bar (SHPB) technique. Numerical analyses were also carried out to verify the analytical model by using an explicit FEM code. It is found that the analytical results approximately represented the experimental results in a very early stage of impact. And it is recognized that the stiffness of mercury under impact condition was independent of the impact velocity in this experimental range. Furthermore, many pits were found on the surfaces being in contact with mercury.