What is target?

[saving]

Hi, I am a translator currently handling English-to-Japanese translation of a chemical document. In the document, there are words like "liquid target" and "liquid lithium target." What's the definition of target here? I can translate it into Japanese without even knowing it. But I'm curious and it's always better to know what it means for a better translation. Is it a sample for experiments?

Thank you!

 

[JLSeagull]

The context may be important. Sometimes people speak of the target value when addressing a normal process setpoint. For example the perhaps a liquid flow is controlled at a target value of 500 gallons per minute. The normal flow rate may vary from 475 to 525 gallons per minute without causing alarm with the target or setpoint value being 500 gallons per minute.

 

[MJCronin]

JLS is correct.

Can you perhaps give us the whole sentence and we can suggest other wordings..??


-MJC

 

[saving]

Thank you, JLSeagull and MJC,

For some reasons, I can't put the document itself here, however, the usage of the words are quite similar to thoese used in the sentences below, which I found on the Internet. Please note that the sentences below contain both "solid target" and "liquid target." And I would like to know what "target" here actually means. Thank you!

-----

Spallation neutrons are produced efficiently by firing a proton beam at a heavy-metal target such as lead where the reactions of the protons with nuclei literally knock out or "spallate" neutrons, while further neutrons are evaporated. On average each proton produces about 11 neutrons. Up until now spallation targets have always been solid, but MEGAPIE has demonstrated the advantages of a liquid target, namely an increase in neutron flux and convectional cooling of the target window. The second advantage gives the liquid target potential for higher power, in contrast to a solid target, which cannot be cooled sufficiently. In MEGAPIE, the use of a liquid target with the 1 MW beam at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ) increased the neutron flux by about 80% compared with the previous solid-lead target.

 

[Latexman]

The context used for target is an object fired at. They are shooting protons at objects and they are calling these objects targets.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[saving]

Thank you, Latexman! Your explanation makes sense indeed!

 

[786392]

Another indicative equivalent word is 'Aim' for "target".
As we say
"Someone aimed at a bird" or
"Someone targeted a bird"
Also another usage is to set certain values or items as limiting objective or goal.
Hope this proves helpful.

Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)

 

[saving]

Thank you, Qalander! Yes, a liquid target and a solid target here are something aimed at. It also makes sense!