Thermophysical properties of the liquid Pb84.1Au15.9 eutectic alloy

Lead-gold eutectic alloy is under consideration as target material of spallation sources. The thermohydraulic design of such a target or related coolant systems requires a reliable data basis regarding the temperature dependent physical properties of such alloys. We present measurements of the electrical and thermal conductivity, thermoelectric power, viscosity and surface tension for liquid Pb84.1Au15.9 alloy of eutectic composition in a wide temperature range between the melting point and about 1000 K.

► Lead-gold liquid eutectic (LGE) is proposed as target material for spallation sources.
► Electrical conductivity of the Pb–Au eutectic is lower than that of pure lead.
► Experimental thermal conductivity agrees with calculated electrical conductivity data.