In high-energy projects such as particle physics, particle accelerators are used for the acceleration and collision of basic particles like electrons and protons for disintegrating them into smaller, fundamental parts. The short-lived, sub-atomic particles are detected and subsequently analyzed to determine the way they interact with each other, the ultimate aim of which is to understand the physical laws of the universe.
For instance, inside the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, two high-energy particle beams travel in opposite directions with a speed close to that of light. Before colliding within advanced detectors, these particle beams are directed around an accelerator ring by a strong magnetic field created by superconducting electromagnets.
Beam collimators and shields are made using H.C. Starck Solutions’ tungsten (W) alloys. The unique properties of H.C. Starck Solutions’ tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb) metals make them the main choice for superconducting material to create the electromagnetic fields that steer and propel the charged particles to extremely high speeds. Moreover, H.C. Starck Solutions provides extrusion services for extruding superconducting wire bundles with a large diameter.
- Mass spectroscopy
- Magnetic levitation
- MRI and NMR medical equipment
- Particle accelerators
- Nuclear fusion research equipment
Applications
- Targets
- RF cavities and supporting parts
- Beam blockers
- Shielding blocks
- Calorimeters
W, Nb, Ta Products
- Tube
- Fabricated Parts
- Sheet
- Bar
- Plate
H.C. Starck Solutions has delivered fabricated products such as tungsten slugs employed in the FCAL Section of the Atlas Detector of the LHC.
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Refractory Metal Characteristics
The outstanding material properties offered by H.C. Starck Solutions ensure protection against radiation together with other highly desirable characteristics.
Tungsten High-Density Alloys
- High strength
- Excellent machinability
- High density
- High melting point
Niobium
- Low-temperature superconductivity (low resistivity)
Tantalum
- High density
- Good ductility
- Excellent corrosion resistance
| Property Data for Pure Metals* |
Niobium |
Tantalum |
Tungsten |
| Property |
Atomic Number |
41 |
73 |
74 |
| Atomic Weight |
92.91 |
180.95 |
183.86 |
| Lattice Type |
bcc |
bcc |
bcc |
| Mass |
Density at 20 ºC gm/cc |
8.57 |
16.6 |
19.3 |
| Thermal |
Melting Point ºC |
2468 |
2996 |
3410 |
| Properties |
Boiling Point ºC |
4927 |
6100 |
5900 |
| Linear Coefficient of Expansion per ºC |
7.1x10-5 |
6.5x10-6 |
4.3x10-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity at 20 ºC, cal/cm2/cm ºC/sec |
0.523 |
0.13 |
0.4 |
| Specific Heat cal/g/ºC, 20 ºC |
0.126 |
0.036 |
0.032 |
| Electrical |
Conductivity, %IACS |
13.30% |
13% |
31% |
| Properties |
Resistivity, microohms-cm, 20 ºC |
15 |
13.5 |
5.5 |
| Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity per ºC (0-100 ºC) |
0.00395 |
0.0038 |
0.0046 |
* Metal Alloys also available
Niobium and Tantalum Rod and Sheet for Superconductors
B365 (Ta) and ASTM B392 (Nb) Compliance
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Rod Sizes
- Diameters: 10–130 mm
- Maximum length: 2.5–7.5 m
Sheet Sizes*
- Up to 1 m wide, 0.25–2.5 mm thick
*Other dimensions available upon request
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by H.C. Starck Solutions.
For more information on this source, please visit H.C. Starck Solutions.