LABORATORI NAZIONALI DI LEGNARO
Materials and components used in the SPES target and Front-End work in a very radioactive environment, characterized by intense neutron and gamma fields. The absorbed doses may induce substantial degradation of their mechanical properties, which can compromise machine operations. In the framework of a cooperation between the University of Brescia, the SPES project and the research nuclear reactor of the University of Pavia, an experimental Radiation Damage Study focused on elastomeric O-rings started in 2015. The results led to the best product choice for SPES. The European Spallation Source (ESS) project expressed its interest in the post-irradiation data achieved in a mixed neutron and gamma reactor field and became a partner in 2016. A second irradiation and testing campaign focused on lubricating oils and greases has started. Results on elastomers and lubricating greases and projects for further studies on new materials are presented.

DATA: 06-10-2017