SNS target tests at the LANSCE-WNR in 2001 – Part II

It has been observed that stopping of an 800 MeV proton pulse in liquid mercury, such as in the United States Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), leads to cavitation that can affect the mercury vessel. This paper discusses pitting that was observed on mercury container walls after 100–200 proton pulses obtained at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Weapons Neutron Research facility (LANSCE-WNR). It was found that the degree of cavitation-induced pitting was dependent on the geometry and composition of the container. As expected, very hard surfaces were particularly effective for resisting deformation from cavity collapse.