Studies on the module structure for the NOvA liquid scintillator neutrino detector

Abstract

This thesis contains studies pertinent to the construction of modules for the detectors of the NOvA experiment.The tensile strength of acrylic and epoxy adhesives used in construction of the detector was studied over time and with various surface preparations. Aging in oil or in air in a hot box as well as sanding and corona discharge surface treatments were examined. All materials used in the detector were studied to determine if interaction would occur with and degrade the pseudocumene liquid scintillator.Following the appearance of cracking manifold covers in installed modules, studies were done to determine the cause and mitigation of these cracks. Manifold covers that had been pressurized during a seal check during module construction were examined for the formation of cracks. Internal cracks were visible on the majority of manifold covers tested at 1.4 bar with the original containment units. It was found that reducing the pressure testing of the modules from 1.4 bar to 0.7 bar and increasing the rigidity of the pressure test containment units eliminated the formation of visible cracks in the manifold covers.