Radiation-Resistant Composite Structures for Thermal Isolation

Advanced facilities for Nuclear Physics research are being constructed that will allow the production of rare isotopes to provide new insights on the forces that hold nuclei together, as well as the chemical history of the universe and the synthesis of elements in stellar explosions. Support structures for the large magnets required for these systems will be required to operate in a high radiation environment and if constructed from metal, their thermal conductivity places an undue burden on the cryogenic cooling system required for magnet operation, thereby increasing operating costs and reducing available time for experimentation. The use of radiation-resistant thermally isolating composite support structures is one potential way to alleviate this problem, substantially reducing the burden on the cryogenic cooling system. The primary objectives of the Phase I work are to design and demonstrate radiation-resistant, thermally isolating composite support structure concepts for use in construction of the planned Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. Designs will build upon existing expertise in the design of cryogenic thermal isolation systems and will incorporate resin systems demonstrated to have high radiation stability. The overall goal is to design and demonstrate radiation-resistant, thermally isolating composite support structure concepts for use in construction of advanced facilities for Nuclear Physics research. The primary emphasis will be placed on developing designs for thermally isolating structures based on radiation-resistant composite systems. Activities contributing to this objective will include structure design and analysis as well as validation of the designs using experimental data on flat composite panels as well as from a prototype structure. Advanced materials and designs will be produced for use as support structures in future nuclear physics research facilities under development by the U.S. Department of Energy. The products of this work will enable the fabrication of reliable systems with reduced operating costs.