Specification Checks Research Articles

Use of a solid-state probe to detect changes in operating parameters of an 8 MV linear accelerator.

Abstract Advantages gained by bending the beam of a linear accelerator are achieved at the expense of increased operational complexity. Changes in beam energy and field uniformity with time may go undetected unless specific checks are made. Scans of the x-ray field have detected conditions under which significant departure from the planned dose could occur, indicated necessary design modifications, and minimized unscheduled down-time.

Determination of the anisotropy of yielding and flow in Zircaloy-2 from a single test

The anisotropy of plastic properties of Zircaloy-2 is an important consideration in its use. A rapid and simple method of evaluating and characterizing these properties would be a valuable aid to the designer. Experimental yield and strain data on lots of Zircaloy-2 with varied crystallographic texture were used to develop empirical correlations that relate yield strength and strain behavior parameters. These correlations allow the calculation of tension and compression yield strengths and strain anisotropy constants for the principal fabrication directions from the data obtained in a single test. The correlations are also felt to be valuable for material specification, quality control, and internal consistency checks on experimental data.