Tungsten is the material of choice for the target on x-ray tube for general radiography is for 3 main reasons:
1. Atomoc number – tungsten’s high atomic number, 74, results in high-efficiency x-ray production and in high-energy x-rays.
2. Thermal Conductivity – Tungsten has a thermal conductivity nearly equal to that of copper. It is therefore an efficient metal for dissipating the heat produced.
3. High Melting Point – Any material, if heated sufficiently, will melt and become liquid. Tungsten has a high melting point (3400° C compared with 1100° C for copper) and therefore can stand up under high tube current with out pitting or bubbling.
More About:
X-ray Imaging Systems
The X-ray Tube Support System
Interventional Radiography
1. Atomoc number – tungsten’s high atomic number, 74, results in high-efficiency x-ray production and in high-energy x-rays.
2. Thermal Conductivity – Tungsten has a thermal conductivity nearly equal to that of copper. It is therefore an efficient metal for dissipating the heat produced.
3. High Melting Point – Any material, if heated sufficiently, will melt and become liquid. Tungsten has a high melting point (3400° C compared with 1100° C for copper) and therefore can stand up under high tube current with out pitting or bubbling.
More About:
X-ray Imaging Systems
The X-ray Tube Support System
Interventional Radiography
