EURISOL-DS Multi-MW Target: Cavitations detection by the a Laser Doppler Vibrometer

This technical note summarises the innovative measurement devices used within Task #2 of the European Isotope Separation On-Line Radioactive Ion Beam Facility Design Study (EURISOL-DS) to detect the occurrence of cavitation in liquid metal flowing inside the CGS target mock-up.
During the METEX hydraulic experiment carried out at IPUL (Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia), a Laser Doppler Vibrometer was used to characterize the wall vibrations of the beam window at different flow regimes. A series of tests proved the high sensitivity of the LDV to detect the occurrence of cavitation in the liquid metal flowing inside the target. In this context, a dedicated test procedure was developed to establish the validity of using LDV for detecting the onset of cavitation.