Radiation Effects on Metastable States of Superheated Water

Author

Charles William Alvord, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Date of Award

12-2008

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Nuclear Engineering

Major Professor

Arthur Ruggles

Committee Members

Ronald Pevey, Lawrence Townsend, Colin West, Brian Edwards

Abstract

Radiation Effects on Metastable States of Superheated Water covers theory, application, and experimentation into the behavior of water at temperatures above the boiling point. The backgrounds of Positron Emission Tomography target design, bubble chambers, and superheat measurements are presented. The quantitative theory of metastable liquids and their characteristic waiting time is discussed. Energetics of bubble formation from two different perspectives are included. Finally, the design of an apparatus for measuring liquid superheats in the presence of radiation is covered in some detail, including several design iterations, first measurements made on the apparatus, and techniques for data reduction.

Recommended Citation

Alvord, Charles William, "Radiation Effects on Metastable States of Superheated Water. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2008.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/473