Target Assembly

Made of steel, the target system, including pumps, pipes, and heat exchangers, contains 20 tons of swirling liquid mercury. 60 pulses of protons bombard the target and release energy that is roughly equal to a stick of dynamite exploding every second.

When the high-energy protons make contact with the target, neutrons are “spalled” or released, hence the name Spallation Neutron Source.

https://www.ornl.gov/news/spallation-neutron-source-achieves-20-years-target Kaeli N Dickert , Science Writer and Communications Specialist , 865.341.4242 | DICKERTKN@ORNL.GOV