Infographics / X-ray Physics

Anode heat loading, rating & cooling

An exponential anode cooling curve of stored heat units against time, with the heat-unit formula HU equals kVp times mA times seconds (times 1.35 for three-phase). Below, a rotating anode spreads the same heat over a large highlighted focal track, giving a higher tolerable load than a stationary anode's small fixed focal spot.

Anode heat management: cooling curve and rotating versus stationary anode An exponential anode cooling curve of stored heat units against time, with the heat-unit formula HU equals kVp times mA times seconds (times 1.35 for three-phase). Below, a rotating anode spreads the same heat over a large highlighted focal track, giving a higher tolerable load than a stationary anode's small fixed focal spot. Anode heat management stored heat (HU) time heat added per exposure exponential cooling (heat radiated from anode) HU = kVp × mA × s × 1.35 for three-phase supply ↑ kVp → ↑ HU, so allowable mAs falls Rotating vs stationary anode electron beam focal track (large area) rotating anode heat spread over focal track small fixed spot stationary anode heat in one small spot Same heat over a larger area lowers the peak temperature, so the rotating anode tolerates a higher load (HU) per exposure than the stationary anode.
Practise X-ray PhysicsDownload SVG

More in X-ray Physics

Practice the Physics paper

FRCRX is a Part 1 Physics question bank: true/false items with explanations, timed mocks and topic analytics.

Start question practiceSee plans