Search

Diamon-like carbon (DLC) coatings protect engine parts from wear and provide low-friction. Unfortunately, the nature of DLC coatings does not allow progressing wear measurement using conventional methods. Therefore, we applied a radioactive isotope-based wear measurement method (RIC method). A tribometer with oscillating contact and one with sliding contact were used to provide different loading conditions. The RIC method was evaluated for DLC coatings, and the DLC wear was investigated regarding the presence of abrasive particles. The results indicate that an increase in abrasive particle concentration leads to an increase of DLC wear rate and a decrease in usage-time until wear-off.

Cross-sections of deuteron-induced nuclear reactions on natural molybdenum have been studied in the frame of a systematic investigation of charged particle-induced nuclear reactions on some metals for various applications. The excitation functions of Mo(d,x)Tc were measured up to 10 MeV deuteron energy by using the stacked foil activation technique. This work aimed to get new experimental data useful in accelerator technology, and for testing nuclear reaction models. The integral yield was determined for Tc, and Mo radioisotopes. The experimental data were compared with the results of theoretical calculations obtained by using EMPIRE-3.2.3, and TENDL 2019 codes resulting in moderate agreement.

An experiment of α -induced reactions on yttrium-89 was performed to investigate the excitation functions of 89 Zr and 90 Nb , which are suitable for immuno-PET studies. The stacked-foil method, activation technique, and off-line γ -ray spectrometry were used for this investigation. The excitation functions of 92 m , 91 m , 89 m , 89 g Nb , 88 Zr , and 90 m , 88 g , 87 m , 87 g Y were also derived and compared with earlier experimental and the TENDL-2017 data. Good agreements with part of the previous studies were found.

Indirect recoil implantation following a nuclear reaction is a technique used to activate the surface of materials that cannot be directly activated by a charged particle beam. This research focuses on the indirect activation of Kapton® foils, which serves as a model of plastic or plastic coated surface activation. The alpha particle primary beam, produced by a cyclotron accelerator hits a stack of titanium and Kapton® interlaced foils. The implanted activity in the Kapton® foils is presented as a function of the primary beam energy for two separate implanted radioisotopes 51Cr and 48V, having suitable nuclear parameters for tracing in engineering experiments.

Excitation functions were measured by the activation method using the stacked-foil technique for the natMo(p,x)93(m+g),94m,g,95m,g,96(m+g),99mTc, 92m,95Nb reactions up to 18 MeV. The experimental results were compared with literature data and theoretical results from EMPIRE-3.2.2 code and TENDL. Special attention was paid to the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction which is very promising for the production of 99mTc at a cyclotron. In order to optimize the production conditions of some medically important Tc isotopes, the integral yields were estimated based on the measured cross sections.

The activation cross sections of the alpha-particle induced reactions on natural palladium were determined up to 50 MeV using the stacked-foil technique and high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Production cross sections of 111m,109,107,105,104Cd and 111g,110m,106m,105g,103gAg were obtained. The results were compared with the data of previous experiments and results of theoretical model calculations.

This work presents the recoil and secondary implantation of radioisotopes at different bombarding energies in the range of ~ 13 to ~ 40 MeV by using an α-particle beam of 50 MeV irradiating a stack of Ag, Ni and Ti metal foils. Activation cross-sections for the produce radioisotopes were calculated and confronted with literature data. The implanted activity is presented as a function of the primary beam energy for six produced radioisotopes 57Ni, 57Co, 65Zn, 51Cr, 48V and 46Sc. The use of each of these radioisotopes in engineering experiments based on the nano-thin layer activation is discussed.

Natural silver targets have been irradiated by using a 50 MeV alpha-particle beam in order to measure the activation cross sections of radioisotopes in the 40–50 MeV energy range. Among the radio-products there are medically important isotopes such as 110mIn and 111In. For optimizing the production of these radioisotopes and regarding their purity and specific activity the cross section data for every produced radioisotope are important. New data are measured in this energy range and the results of some previous measurements have been confirmed. Physical yield curves have been calculated by using the new cross section data completed with the results from the literature.

Activation cross sections of the $$^{\mathrm {nat}}\hbox {Rb (d,xn)}^{87\mathrm {m,85m,85g,83,82}}\hbox {Sr}$$ nat Rb (d,xn) 87 m , 85 m , 85 g , 83 , 82 Sr , $$^{\mathrm {nat}}\hbox {Rb(d,x)}^{\mathrm {86,84,83,82m}}\hbox {Rb}$$ nat Rb(d,x) 86 , 84 , 83 , 82 m Rb and $$^{\mathrm {nat}}\hbox {Rb(d,x)}^{85\mathrm {m}}\hbox {Kr}$$ nat Rb(d,x) 85 m Kr nuclear reactions have been measured for the first time through an activation method combining the stacked foil irradiation technique and gamma-ray spectrometry. The provided cross sections from the present investigation are all new, in such a way contribute to the completeness of the experimental database. The experimental cross sections were compared with the theoretical prediction in the TENDL-2019 TALYS based library and with our calculation using ALICE-D and EMPIRE-D model codes in order the improve their predictivity. Thick target production yields were calculated form the new cross sections for all investigated radioisotopes. Practical applications of the results are shortly discussed.

Additional excitation functions for deuteron induced reactions up to 48.6 MeV on quasi mono-isotopic Ta (99.99% Ta-181) were experimentally determined using the activation method through stacked foil irradiation. Cross-sections for the production of W-17(7,)17(8,)181, Ta-177cum(, )178g,180g(, )182m+g and Hf-175,179m2,18(0m,)181 were derived from high resolution gamma-spectrometry and X-ray analysis. Comparison with the few earlier published experimental data and with values predicted by the theoretical code TALYS 1.6 (as available in the on-line library TENDL-2019) are discussed. Thick target yields for medically or industrially relevant longer-lived Ta-177,178g(,1)80g,182m+g and W-178(,1)81, calculated from fits to our experimental excitation curves, are discussed. Estimations on possible occupational doses to maintenance or scientific personnel around high power accelerators originating from activated Ta structural elements are updated.

Activation cross sections of the medically interesting radionuclide

Excitation functions were measured by the activation method using stacked-foil technique for the natSr(p,xn)88,87m,g,86m,gY reactions up to 18 MeV. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical data from EMPIRE-3.2 code and TENDL. Integral yields of 88,87m,g,86m,gY were estimated based on the measured cross sections. The optimum energy range for the production of the important isotope 88Y is Ep = 16→11 MeV, 88Y yield amounts to about 3 MBq/µAh.

Activation cross sections of application related Cd-107 and Cd-109 via proton, deuteron, alpha particle induced reactions on palladium, He-3 and alpha particle induced nuclear reactions on silver and deuteron induced reactions on cadmium and indium were measured by using the stacked foil irradiation technique and gamma-ray spectrometry. The cross sections were compared with the earlier experimental data and theoretical predictions. Integral yields were deduced on the basis of experimental data. Different production routes for both radioisotopes are compared.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the wear behaviour of different materials for cylinder liners and piston rings in a linear reciprocating tribometer with special focus on the wear of the cylinder liner in the boundary lubrication regime. Design/methodology/approach Conventional nitrided steel, as well as diamond-like carbon and chromium nitride-coated piston rings, were tested against cast iron, AlSi and Fe-coated AlSi cylinder liners. The experiments were carried out with samples produced from original engine parts to have the original surface topography available. Radioactive tracer isotopes were used to measure cylinder liner wear continuously, enabling separation of running-in and steady-state wear. Findings A ranking of the material pairings with respect to wear behaviour of the cylinder liner was found. Post-test inspection of the cylinder samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences in the wear mechanisms for the different material combinations. The results show that the running-in and steady-state wear of the liners can be reduced by choosing the appropriate material for the piston ring. Originality/value The use of original engine parts in a closely controlled tribometer environment under realistic loading conditions, in conjunction with continuous and highly sensitive wear measurement methods and a detailed SEM analysis of the wear mechanisms, forms an intermediate step between engine testing and laboratory environment testing.

The cross sections of the proton, deuteron and α-particle induced nuclear reactions on Ca were determined experimentally up to 20 MeV. The obtained experimental data were validated theoretically using EMPIRE-3.2 and TALYS-1.6. The production yields of 43Sc and 44m,gSc radioisotopes were calculated and discussed in view of the reported experimental data. Of all the production routes, the 44Ca(p,n)44m,gSc and 43Ca(d,n)44m,gSc showed highest yields of 1206 MBq/µA.h (15 → 5 MeV) and 204 MBq/µA.h (8 → 0 MeV), respectively. The α-particles induced reactions on natCa or 40Ca were found to be suitable for producing considerable activity of 43Sc at energy range 8–20 MeV.

Using the stacked-foil activation technique, cross-sections of deuteron induced reactions on natural Sn targets were determined up to 50 MeV. Excitation functions are reported for the product nuclides 116mSb, 117Sb, 118mSb, 120mSb 122m+gSb, 124m+gSb, 110Sn(cum), 113m+gSn(cum), 117mSn, 110mIn(cum), 110gIn, 111m+gIn(cum), 113mIn, 114mIn 115mIn. Comparison with earlier published data at lower energy is discussed. For all excitation functions a theoretical calculation using the TALYS 1.6 (on-line TENDL-2015 library) code is shown.

The excitation functions of 89Y( $\alpha$ ,n) 92mNb, 89Y(d, $\alpha$ )87mSr, 89Y(d,2n)89cumZr and 89Y(d,p)90mY nuclear reactions using 10 MeV deuterons and 20 MeV $\alpha$ -particles were measured. Thin samples of Y2O3 were prepared on Al substrates using the sedimentation method. Two different stacks were irradiated for each nuclear reaction to cover all the energy range from threshold to maximum energy of the incident particle. Model calculations of the excitation functions of the above-mentioned nuclear reactions were performed using TALYS-1.6 and EMPIRE-3.2 codes. Variation of the input parameters on the TALYS code results were investigated by using different optical model parameters (OMP). The integral thick target yields were estimated for the investigated reactions based on the proposed average excitation functions.

$^{117m}$Sn is one of the radioisotopes can be beneficially produced through alpha particle irradiation. The targets were prepared by deposition of $^{116}$Cd metal onto high purity 12 $\mu$m thick Cu backing. The average deposited thickness was 21.9 $\mu$m. The beam energy was thoroughly measured by Time of Flight (TOF) methods and proved to be 51.2 MeV. For the experiment the well-established stacked foil technique was used. In addition to the Cd targets, Ti foils were also inserted into the stacks for energy and intensity monitoring. The Cu backings were also used for monitoring and as recoil catcher of the reaction products from the cadmium layer. The activities of the irradiated foils were measured with HPGe detector for gamma-ray spectrometry and cross section values were determined. As a result excitation functions for the formation of $^{117m}$Sn, $^{117m,g}$In, $^{116m}$In, $^{115m}$In and $^{115m,g}$Cd from enriched $^{116}$Cd were deduced and compared with the available literature data and with the results of the nuclear reaction model code calculations EMPIRE 3.2 and TALYS 1.8. Yield curves were also deduced for the measured nuclear reactions and compared with the literature.

The cross sections of alpha particles induced nuclear reactions on natural germanium were investigated by using the standard stacked foil target technique, the activation method and high resolution gamma spectrometry. Targets with thickness of about 1 mu m were prepared from natural Ge by vacuum evaporation onto 25 mu m thick polyimide (Kapton) backing foils. Stacks were composed of Kapton-Ge-Ge-Kapton sandwich target foils and additional titanium monitor foils with nominal thickness of 11 mu m to monitor the beam parameters using the Ti-nat(alpha,x)Cr-51 reaction. The irradiations were done with E-alpha = 20.7 and E-alpha = 51.25 MeV, I-alpha = 50 nA alpha particle beams for about 1 h. Direct or cumulative activation cross sections were determined for production of the Se-72,Se-73,Se-75, (71,72,74,76,78)AS and Ge-69 radionuclides: The obtained experimental cross sections were compared to the results of theoretical calculations taken from the TENDL data library based on the TALYS computer code. A comparison was made with available experimental data measured earlier. Thick target yields were deduced from the experimental cross sections and compared with the data published before.

Cross-sections for formation of activation products induced by protons on natural mercury targets were measured. Results for (196m,196g197g)(cum), (198m),(198g,199g)(cum), (200g)(cum), 201,(202Tl), (194s)(cum), (195g)(cum), (196g)(curn), (198m,199g)(cum) Au and Hg-195m,Hg-197m,Hg-203 are presented up to 65 MeV incident particle energy, many of these for the first time. The experimental data are compared with literature values and with the predictions of the TALYS 1.6 code (results taken from TENDL-2015 on-line library), thick target yields were derived and possible applications in biomedical sciences are discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

As nuclear medicine community has shown an increasing interest in accelerator produced 99m Tc radionuclide, the possible alternative direct production routes for producing 99m Tc were investigated intensively. One of these accelerator production routes is based on the 100 Mo(p,2n) 99m Tc reaction. The cross section of this nuclear reaction was studied by several laboratories earlier but the available data-sets are not in good agreement. For large scale accelerator production of 99m Tc based on the 100 Mo(p,2n) 99m Tc reaction, a well-defined excitation function is required to optimise the production process effectively. One of our recent publications pointed out that most of the available experimental excitation functions for the 100 Mo(p,2n) 99m Tc reaction have the same general shape while their amplitudes are different. To confirm the proper amplitude of the excitation function, results of three independent experiments were presented (Takacs et al., 2015). In this work we present results of a thick target count rate measurement of the E γ = 140.5 keV gamma-line from molybdenum irradiated by E p = 17.9 MeV proton beam, as an integral benchmark experiment, to prove the cross section data reported for the 100 Mo(p,2n) 99m Tc and 100 Mo(p,pn) 99 Mo reactions in Takacs et al. (2015).

Using stacked-foil activation technique and gamma-ray spectrometry, excitation functions for 3He induced nuclear reactions on natV were measured. Cross-sections for natV(3He, xn)52m,gMn and natV(3He, pxn)51Cr nuclear reactions were measured up to 27 MeV utilizing the MGC-20E cyclotron of ATOMKI. The measurements establish for the first time consistent excitation curves. Comparisons with results for values derived from different theoretical codes were included. Integral yield were calculated.

The activation cross sections of proton induced reactions on natSb target leading to the formation of the radioisotopes 121m,g,123mTe were measured. The experimental excitation functions were compared with the theoretical model calculations using the codes EMPIRE-3.1 and TALYS-1.4. The integral yields of the three radionuclides were calculated and the possibility of their production is discussed.

The cross-sections for proton-induced nuclear reactions on natural nickel were experimentally measured for the natNi(p,x)60,61,64Cu, natNi(p,x)55,57,58Co and natNi(p,x)57Ni reactions from their respective thresholds up to 17 MeV proton energy. The stacked-foil technique in combination with HPGe γ-ray spectroscopy was used. Three codes were used in the theoretical calculations namely ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE-3.2.2 and TENDL-2017. Comparison of the present results with the earlier reported experimental data and with the code results were carried out.

Excitation functions for $$\alpha $$ -induced reactions on natural vanadium were measured in the energy range up to 20 MeV. The stacked-foil activation technique was used. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical calculations using EMPIRE-3.1, EMPIRE-3.2.2 and TENDL 2015, and with earlier experimental results. Thick target yields were calculated for the production of $$^{54}\hbox {Mn}$$ and for the associated impurity $$^{52}\hbox {Mn}$$ .

Cross sections of alpha particle induced nuclear reactions on iridium were investigated using a 51.2-MeV alpha particle beam. The standard stacked-foil target technique and the activation method were applied. The activity of the reaction products was assessed without chemical separation using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Excitation functions for production of gold, platinum and iridium isotopes (196m2Au, 196m,gAu, 195m,gAu, 194Au, 193 m,gAu, 192Au, 191m,gAu, 191Pt, 195mPt, 194gIr, 194mIr, 192gIr, 190gIr and 189Ir) were determined and compared with available earlier measured experimental data and results of theoretical calculations using TALYS code system. Cross section data were reported for the first time for the natIr(α,x)196m2Au, natIr(α,x)196m,gAu, natIr(α,x)191Pt, natIr(α,x)195mPt, natIr(α,x)194gIr, natIr(α,x)194mIr, natIr(α,x)190gIr and natIr(α,x)189Ir processes. A possible production route for 195mPt, the potentially important radionuclide in nuclear medicine, is discussed.

The excitation function for 3He-induced reactions on 103Rh, as another pathway for the production of medically used 103Pd, was studied by the stacked foil technique. Excitation functions of the 103Rh(3He,x)103Pd, 103, 104, 104m, 105Ag and 100, 101, 101m, 102, 102mRh reactions were determined up to 27 MeV by detecting the characteristic \(\gamma\)-rays obtained from the decay of residual nuclei. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical ones obtained from the EMPIRE-3.2 code and the TENDL nuclear data library. From the measured cross-section data, integral production yields were calculated.

Excitation functions were measured in the 31-49.2 MeV energy range for the Pd-nat (d,xn)Ag-111,Ag-110m,Ag-106m,Ag-105,Ag-104g,Ag-103, (nat)pd(d,x) (111m,109,101,100)pd, (nat)pd(d,x), Rh-105,Rh-102m,Rh-102g,Rh-101m,Rh-101g,Rh-100,Rh-99m,Rh-99g and (nat)pd(d,x)Ru-103,Ru-97 nuclear reactions by using the stacked foil irradiation technique. The experimental results are compared with our previous results and with the theoretical predictions calculated with the ALICE-D, EMPIRE-D and TALYS (TENDL libraries) codes.

Investigations of cross-sections of deuteron induced nuclear reactions on gold were extended up to 50 MeV by using the standard stacked foil irradiation technique and high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. New cross-sections are reported for the Au-197(d,xn)Hg-197m,Hg- 197g,Hg- 195m,Hg- 195g,Hg- 193m,Hg- 193g and Au-197(d,x)(198m, 198g, 196m, 196g, 195, 194) Au nuclear reactions. The application for production of the medically relevant isotopes Au-198 and Hg-195m,Hg- 195m,Hg- 197m,Hg- 197g is discussed, including the comparison with other charged particle induced production routes. The possible use of the Au-197(d,x)Hg-197m,Hg- 197g,Hg- 193m and Au-196m,Au- 196g reactions for monitoring deuteron beam parameters is also investigated. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Excitation functions of 3He induced nuclear reactions on natSn were measured up to 26 MeV using the stacked-foil technique, utilizing the MGC-20E cyclotron of ATOMKI. Using HPGe detector the following radioisotopes were identified: 116,117,118,119g,119m,121g,121m,123mTe, 115g,116m,117,118m,120m,122g,124gSb and 113g,117mSn. The experimental results are presented for the first time in this energy range. The results of theoretical calculations based on EMPIRE and TENDL library were compared with the present data. Integral yields for some isotopes were calculated.

Excitation functions were measured for the natSr(d,x)88,87m,87g,86g,85gY, 87m,85g,83g,82Sr, 86g,84g,83,82m,81gRb reactions by the stacked foil activation technique and high-resolution gamma-spectrometry up to 50 MeV. We present the first experimental activation cross section data for all investigated reactions. Our experimental data are compared with the TALYS code results as available in the TENDL-2015 on-line library. Use of deuteron induced reactions on Sr for production of medical isotopes is discussed.

In the frame of a systematic study of activation cross sections of deuteron induced nuclear reactions on rare earths, the reactions on neodymium for production of therapeutic radionuclides were measured for the first time. The excitation functions of the Nd-nat(d,x) Pm-151.150,Pm-149,Pm-148m,Pm-148g,Pm-146,Pm-144,Pm-143, Nd-149.147,Nd-139m, Pr-142 and Ce-139g nuclear reactions were assessed by using the stacked foil activation technique and high resolution gamma-spectrometry. The experimental excitation functions were compared to the theoretical predictions calculated with the modified model codes ALICE-IPPE-D and EMPIRE-II-D and with the data in the TENDL-2012 library based on latest version of the TALYS code. The application of the data in the field of medical isotope production and nuclear reaction theory is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Excitation functions of 3He-particle induced nuclear reactions on natural cadmium were measured using the standard stacked foil technique and high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy. From their threshold energies up to 27 MeV, cross-sections for natCd(3He,xn)117m,113,111,110Sn, natCd(3He,xnp)117m,g,116m,115m,114m,113m,111,110m,g,109,108,107In, and natCd(3He,X)115g,111mCd reactions were measured. The nuclear codes TALYS, and EMPIRE-3,1 were used to describe the formation of these products. The present data were compared to theoretical results and to the available experimental data. Integral yields for some important radioisotopes were determined.

In the frame of a systematic study of deuteron induced nuclear reactions on lanthanides we have measured the excitation functions on natural cerium for production of (142,139,138m,137)pr, Ce-143,Ce-141,Ce-139,Ce-137m,Ce-137,Ce-135 and La-140 up to 50 MeV deuteron energy using the activation method with stacked-foil irradiation technique and high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The cross-sections of the investigated reactions were calculated using the modified pre-compound model codes ALICE-IPPE-D and EMPIRE-II-D. A comparison was made also with the data retrieved from the TENDL-2012 library, based on the latest version of the TALYS code system. The measured cross-section data are important for further improvement of nuclear reaction models and for practical applications in nuclear medicine and other labeling and activation studies. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The energy dependence of the cross-sections of 3He-particle induced reactions on natPt targets was studied in the energy range from threshold up to 26 MeV, using a stacked-foil irradiation technique and classical gamma-spectroscopy. The formation of the radioisotopes via natPt(3He,xn)192Hg, natPt(3He,xn)193m,gHg, natPt(3He,xn)195m,gHg, natPt(3He,xn)197m,gHg, natPt(3He,xn)199mHg, natPt(3He,pxn)192,193,194,195,199,200mAu, natPt(3He,pxn)196m,gAu, natPt(3He,pxn)198m,gAu and natPt(3He,2pxn)197m,199Pt reactions were assessed. The obtained excitation functions were compared with the earlier published data and the theoretical model calculations by the codes ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE-03, TALYS-1.4 and TENDL-2011 activation data library.

Activation cross-sections data of longer-lived products of proton induced nuclear reactions on dysprosium were extended up to 65 MeV by using stacked foil irradiation and gamma spectrometry experimental methods. Experimental cross-sections data for the formation of the radionuclides $^{159}$Dy, $^{157}$Dy, $^{155}$Dy, $^{161}$Tb, $^{160}$Tb, $^{156}$Tb, $^{155}$Tb, $^{154m2}$Tb, $^{154m1}$Tb, $^{154g}$Tb, $^{153}$Tb, $^{152}$Tb and $^{151}$Tb are reported in the 36-65 MeV energy range, and compared with an old dataset from 1964. The experimental data were also compared with the results of cross section calculations of the ALICE and EMPIRE nuclear model codes and of the TALYS nuclear reaction model code as listed in the latest on-line libraries TENDL 2013., 16 figures 4 tables. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1310.4695

Experimental excitation functions for proton induced reactions on natural vanadium in the 37-65 MeV energy range were measured with the activation method using a stacked foil irradiation technique. By using high resolution gamma spectrometry cross-section data for the production of $^{51,48}$Cr, $^{48}$V, $^{48,47,46,44m,44g,43}$Sc and $^{43,42}$K were determined. Comparisons with the earlier published data are presented and results predicted by different theoretical codes (EMPIRE and TALYS) are included. Thick target yields were calculated from a fit to our experimental excitation curves and compared with the earlier experimental yield data. Depth distribution curves to be used for thin layer activation (TLA) are also presented.

In the frame of a systematic study of charged particle production routes of medically relevant radionuclei, the excitation function for indirect production of $^{178m}$Ta through $^{nat}$Hf($\alpha$,xn)$^{178-178m}$Ta nuclear reaction was measured for the first time up to 40 MeV. In parallel, the side reactions $^{nat}$Hf($\alpha$,x)$^{179,177,176,175}$W, $^{183,182,178g,177,176,175}$Ta, $^{179m,177m,175}$Hf were also assessed. Stacked foil irradiation technique and $\gamma$-ray spectrometry were used. New experimental cross section data for the $^{nat}$Ta(d,xn)$^{178}$W reaction are also reported up to 40 MeV. The measured excitation functions are compared with the results of the ALICE-IPPE, and EMPIRE nuclear reaction model codes and with the TALYS 1.4 based data in the TENDL-2013 library. The thick target yields were deduced and compared with yields of other charged particle ((p,4n), (d,5n) and ($^3$He,x)) production routes for $^{178}$W.

Cross sections of alpha particle induced nuclear reactions have been measured on thin natural cadmium targets foils in the energy range from 11 to 51.2 MeV. This work was a part of our systematic study on excitation functions of light ion induced nuclear reactions on different target materials. Regarding the cross sections, the alpha induced reactions are not deeply enough investigated. Some of the produced isotopes are of medical interest, others have application in research and industry. The radioisotope $^{117m}$Sn is a very important theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) radioisotope, so special care was taken to the results for that isotope. The well-established stacked foil technique followed by gamma-spectrometry with HPGe gamma spectrometers were used. The target and monitor foils in the stack were commercial high purity metal foils. From the irradiated targets $^{117m}$Sn, $^{113}$Sn, $^{110}$Sn, $^{117m,g}$In, $^{116m}$In, $^{115m}$In, $^{114m}$In, $^{113m}$In, $^{111}$In, $^{110m,g}$In, $^{109m}$In, $^{108m}$In, $^{115g}$Cd and $^{111m}$Cd were identified and their excitation functions were derived. The results were compared with the data of the previous measurements from the literature and with the results of the theoretical nuclear reaction model code calculations TALYS 1.8 (TENDL-2015) and EMPIRE 3.2 (Malta). From the cross section curves thick target yields were calculated and compared with the available literature data.

Excitation functions of light ion induced nuclear reactions on natural molybdenum have been studied in the frame of a systematic investigation of charged particle induced nuclear reactions on metals for various applications. Excitation functions of 93,94g,94m,95g,95m,96,99mTc, 90,93m,99Mo, 90,91m,92m,95m,95g,96Nb and 88,89Zr were measured up to 50 MeV deuteron energy Tarkanyi et al., 2012 [1] , 93m,93g,94m,94g,95m,95g,96g,99mTc, 90,93m,99Mo, 90,92m,95m,95g,96Nb and 88,89Zr were measured up to 40 MeV proton energy Tarkanyi et al., 2012 [2] and 93m,93g,94m,94g,95m,95g,96g,99mTc, 93m,99Mo, 90Nb, 94,95,97,103Ru and 88Zr were measured up to 40 MeV alpha energy Ditroi et al., 2012 [3] by using the stacked foil technique and activation method. The results for 3He induced reactions on natural Mo were taken from the literature Comparetto and Qaim, 1980 [4] . According to their half-lives, from the above listed radionuclides the 95m,96Tc, 91m,92m,95m,95gNb, 99Mo, 103,97Ru and 88Zr are suitable candidates for wear measurement by using thin layer activation (TLA) method. The goal of this work was to determine the necessary nuclear data for TLA of the above radionuclides and to prove their applicability for wear measurements.

In the present work we demonstrate the development of a thin layer activation (TLA) method to be able to measure micrometer wear or less by using radioactive tracing. In order to activate very swallow depths we decreased the bombarding energy to the “linear” region of the cross-section curve. The disadvantage of the method is that the wear curve will be “linear” near to the surface instead of “constant” as is the case with the usual (high energy) TLA. The advantage is that the activity of the sample will be much lower and it is concentrated in the swallower studied depth. The other possible method is irradiation under small angle (15 to 30° or even grazing incidence), which also causes a near-surface concentration of the activity produced. Both methods are demonstrated with the most suitable nuclear reactions and some commonly used industrial materials.

Proton induced nuclear reactions were measured with stacked-foil technique on natural zirconium targets up to 16.7MeV. Excitation functions were measured for the production of (90,92m,95m,95g,96)Nb and (88)Y. Cumulative cross-section, thick target yields and activation functions were deduced and compared with the available experimental data, as well as with the nuclear models codes; ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE and TALYS. The integral yields for thick targets were deduced from the measured excitation function of the produced radionuclides.

In this study, an advanced wear volume measuring technique making use of the radioisotope concentration method is applied to a ball-on-disc experiment, which allows highly precise online wear volume measurements and distinguishes among different wear regimes. Furthermore, the adhesive transfer of material from the activated specimen to the counteracting body was investigated with this method; it appears to be a promising technique for evaluating oil-protective capability. The experiments were carried out in a model tribometer following the ASTM D 6425 standard. A polyalphaolefin with zincdithiophosphate was used as lubricant. Two series of reciprocating sliding tests were conducted with different frequencies, 50 and 100 Hz. Results show a frequency-dependent running-in behaviour though the applied load was identical and constant. Using this precise online technique, a more accurate lifetime prediction can be estimated for applications like rolling bearings to which ASTM D 6425 refers.

In the frame of a systematic study of the activation cross-sections of deuteron induced nuclear reactions, excitation functions of the 103 Rh(d,x) 100,101,103 Pd, 100g,101m,101g,102m,102g Rh and 103g Ru reactions were determined up to 40 MeV. Cross-sections were measured with the activation method using a stacked foil irradiation technique. Excitation functions of the contributing reactions were calculated using the ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE-II and TALYS codes. From the measured cross-section data integral production yields were calculated and compared with experimental integral yield data reported in the literature. From the measured cross-sections and previous data, activation curves were deduced to support thin layer activation (TLA) on rhodium and Rh containing alloys.

In the framework of a systematic study on light ion (p, d) induced reaction on different targets of medical, industrial, etc. importance, natural cobalt has been investigated by using stacked-foil technique. In these measurements C-55,C-56,C-57,C-58,C-60 isotopes have been identified. Beyond the Cobalt isotopes we have also presented Ni-57 and Mn-52 from the proton experiment. For the above isotope the excitation functions in the measured energy range were determined and compared with the literature data and with the results of model calculations. The agreement with previous measurements was good and we have also measured new cross-section data.

Experimental excitation functions for deuteron induced reactions up to 40 MeV on mono-isotopic Ta ( 181 Ta) were measured with the activation method using a stacked foil irradiation technique. From high resolution gamma spectrometry and X-ray analysis cross-section data for the production of 181 W, 177,178g,180g,182m+g Ta, and 179m2,180m Hf were determined. Comparison with the scarce earlier published data are presented and results for values predicted by different theoretical codes, adapted for more reliable calculations for d-induced reactions, are included. Thick target yields for 182m+g,180g,178g Ta and 181 W were calculated from a fit to our experimental excitation curves. Using dose conversion factors and irradiation scenarios, possible occupational doses to maintenance or scientific personnel around high power accelerators where Ta based structural elements (collimators, beam stoppers, shielding) are present could be derived.

Activation cross sections of the natYb(p,xn)169Lu reaction have been measured for the first time up to 70 MeV to investigate the production possibility of the radionuclide 169Yb through decay of its parent 169Lu. The cross sections were measured using the stacked foil irradiation technique and gamma spectrometry. The experimental data were compared with the results of the ALICE-IPPE theoretical model code. Different production routes were compared for the internal radiotherapy related radioisotope 169Yb. Above 30 MeV proton energy the integral yield of the natYb(p,xn)169Lu reaction is higher than that of the earlier investigated 169Tm(p,n)169Yb, 169Tm(d,2n)169Yb, natEr(α,xn)169Yb, natYb(α,x)169Lu and natHf(p,x)169Lu reactions at the equivalent particle energies.