Proton simulation of displacement effects induced in metals by 14 mev neutrons

In designing a D-T fusion reactor, one must know the effect of a high flux of 14 MeV neutrons on structural materials. Available laboratory sources of 14 MeV neutrons are not intense enough to expose samples to the expected flux. Bombardment with other particles is one way of simulating the anticipated neutron environment. The energy spectrum of atoms recoiling from collisions with bombarding particles can be calculated from elastic-scattering and nonelastic-reaction data for the incident species. This analysis shows that 16 MeV protons closely simulate the displacement effects caused by 14 MeV neutrons. In niobium the average atom recoiling from a 14 MeV neutron interaction has 65 keV of damage energy. The mean damage energy deposited per cm³ of niobium by a fluence of one 14 MeV neutron per cm² is 14 keV. The equivalent quantity for 16 MeV protons incident on niobium is 33 keV.     

Experimental study of neutron multiplication in BeO by the shift-register coincidence technique

The multiplication of 14 MeV neutrons by Be, which is used as a neutron multiplier in the design of fusion reactor blankets, is of topical interest as T-breeding depends on this. Earlier investigations have shown that the experimental multiplication of 14 MeV neutrons in Be and BeO is 20–25% lower than the calculated values. Recently, a different method has been proposed to measure the leakage multiplication based on a statistical correlation technique. This note explores the applicability of such a technique to determine experimentally the leakage multiplication of Am-Be source neutrons of average energy 4.5 MeV in a BeO assembly. The experimental method uses a high-level neutron coincidence counter (HLNCC) equipped with a shift-register coincidence logic unit. The deduced value of neutron leakage multiplication for 5 and 10 cm thick BeO in near rectangular geometry is 1.12 ± 0.03 and 1.15 ± 0.03, respectively.     

BNCT人头体模内剂量分布计算

用修正的Synder人头体模几何模型和ICRU-46中的材料数据，用MCNP-4B程序对0．0253ev、1kev、2keV、10keV、100keV、1MeV单能中子束，0．2、0．5、1、2、5、10MeV单能光子束，以及与当前硼中子俘获治疗(BNCT)临床中使用的超热中子相似的超热中子束，计算了在人头体模中的剂量分布，计算结果与有关文献报道的结果一致，初步校验了我们正在编制的BNCT治疗计划软件。     

慢化球探测器组合法测试中子屏蔽性能应用

随着核技术在各领域的应用推广,中子屏蔽材料得到越来越广泛的应用,而目前国内外还没有测试中子屏蔽性能的统一标准。为了探索一种简单可行、能够在较宽中子能量范围内测试材料屏蔽性能的方法,本文对3He正比计数管、计数管外包镉及计数管外包不同直径的聚乙烯(Polyethylene,PE)慢化球共12个模型进行了MCNP(Monte Carlo N Particle Transport Code)模拟计算,得到一种慢化球探测器组合测试方法,使测试能够在1×10-5-1.25 Me V能量范围内有较一致的响应。利用这种方法测试了2 cm和4 cm厚PE对252Cf中子的透射率,与多球谱仪解谱法得到的结果在±1.0%内相吻合,对几种材料的测试结果也符合不同类型材料对中子的屏蔽规律,证实了这种简易组合测试方法的可行性。     

国产Am-Be中子源4.438MeVγ射线与中子强度比值测量

本工作涉及准确测量国产Am-Be中子源发射的4.438MeVγ射线与中子强度比值R＝S_γ/S_n的实验方法。中子源的中子发射率用锰浴法进行比对测量。用Φ75mm×75mmNaI（Tl）探测器测量中子源的γ能谱;用MCNP程序模拟计算中子引起的γ本底和探头的源峰探测效率。实验与理论计算得到的R值符合得很好。综合评价已发表的R实验值,给出了R推荐值为0.575（1±4.8%）。结果表明,R值可认为是Am-Be源的一标志性特征量。     

快中子活化法对声空化核效应的验证

采用纯铜作为阈探测器检测声致核聚变产生的14 MeV中子。根据14 MeV中子与Cu的核反应,选择合适的放射性核素及其特征γ峰作为测量依据。中子辐照时间为50 min,经30 min和198 min冷却,NaI探测器分别测量了超声和非超声下活化铜片的511 keV特征γ峰计数,测量结果显示,采用短冷却时间可测得⁶²Cu的511 keV γ特征峰,γ峰净面积计数增量ΔC均为正值,具有统计意义,在声空化条件下核反应液体中D-T反应产生的14 MeV中子发生率大于在非声空化条件下的;采用长冷却时间可测得⁶⁴Cu的511 keV γ特征峰,ΔC均为正值,具有统计意义,在声空化条件下核反应液体中D-D反应产生的2.45 MeV中子发生率大于在非声空化条件下的。由此验证了声空化核效应（NEAC）,并初步分析了中子成核声空化核效应的机制。     

Development and performance characterization of a compact plasma focus based portable fast neutron generator

The design details and performance characterization results of a newly developed plasma focus based compact and portable system (0.5 m × 0.5 m × 1.2 m, weighing ≈100 kg) that produces an average neutron yield of ~2 × 10⁸ neutrons/shot (of fast D-D neutrons with typical energy ~2.45 MeV) at ~1.8 kJ energy discharge are reported. From the detailed analysis of the experimental characterization and simulation results of this system, it has been conclusively revealed that specifically in plasma focus devices with larger static inductance: (i) pinch current is a reliable and more valid neutron yield scaling parameter than peak current, (ii) the ratio of pinch/peak current improves as static inductance of the system reduces, (iii) the benign role of the higher static/pinch inductance ratio enables the supply of inductively stored energy in densely pinched plasma with a larger time constant and it is well depicted by the extended dip observed in the discharge current trace, (iv) there is the need to redefine existing index values of the pinch (Ipinch ^4.7) and peak (Ipeak ^3.9) currents in neutron yield scaling equations to higher values.     

基于金活化片的单球谱仪研制及能谱测量

中国先进研究堆(CARR)H-8水平孔道是提供中子的实验孔道,可以提供稳定的辐射场,对于不同的中子实验,其所需的中子能谱谱形不同,准确测量中子能谱具有重要意义。为测量H-8水平孔道中子能谱,研制一种以金活化片为热中子探测器的被动式单球中子能谱仪,使用MCNP程序对10^-11～15 MeV能区的中子能量响应进行计算,并分析能量响应的合理性。在CARR堆导管大厅对单球谱仪进行测试实验,使用高纯锗探测器测量各金活化片活度,使用UGA(unfolding based on genetic algorithm)解谱程序对实验数据进行解谱计算。结果表明,导管大厅出射中子能量在10^-9～10^-6 MeV范围内,单球中子谱仪可以较为精确的给出中子能谱数据,适用于CARR堆H-8水平孔道中子能谱测量研究。     

利用瞬发γ射线法测量209Bi的中子非弹性散射截面

在铅铋快堆、空间堆等先进反应堆中,铋作为冷却剂和慢化剂材料被大量使用,其中子核反应截面,尤其是中子非弹性散射截面的准确性对这些核装置的安全性和经济性等具有重要的影响。基于中国原子能科学研究院HI 13串列加速器瞬发γ射线实验平台,通过瞬发γ射线法测量了209Bi在90、105和120 MeV 3个能点的中子非弹性散射截面。在相对于中子束30°、70°、110°和150°方向放置4个Clover探测器测量中子与样品相互作用产生的γ射线。实验采用相对测量,通过测量中子与48Ti发生非弹性散射发射的9835 keV γ射线的产生截面来确定209Bi的截面。209Bi金属样品的尺寸为50 mm×4 mm,参考样品为1块50 mm×1 mm的天然钛金属样品。将实验测量结果与已发表的实验数据、ENDF/B Ⅷ.0、JEFF 33、JENDL 40、ROSFOND 2010和CENDL 31等评价库数据以及Talys 195程序默认参数的计算结果进行对比,发现趋势一致,90、105 MeV能点的测量结果与Talys 195程序的计算结果符合得更好,120 MeV能点的测量结果与ROSFOND 2010评价库数据符合得更好。     

Preliminary spectrum shifter design for intermediate energy nuclear data benchmark experiments with DT neutrons

Integral benchmark experiments with DT neutrons are not always sufficient for nuclear data benchmarking in the MeV region, below 10 MeV. A neutron spectrum shifter, which will be placed between a sample and a DT neutron source, is effective to moderate DT neutrons incident to the sample. In order to estimate effects of the spectrum shifter, the ratio of the contribution of 14 MeV neutrons in the leakage neutron and gamma-ray spectra was calculated with MCNP-4C for an experimental configuration at FNS of JAEA, Japan. The calculations were carried out for a Li₂TiO₃ sample with a Be, D₂O, or ⁷LiD spectrum shifter. It was found out that the Be shifter was superior to others and the Be shifter was effective to decrease the contribution of 14 MeV neutrons especially for secondary gamma-ray spectrum measurements.     

Neutron Radiation Effects on MOS Fets: Theory and Experiment

The effects of a pure neutron environment on Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOS-FET) is studied. A model for neutron-produced ionization in the oxide layer is presented. The energy partition between atomic displacement and electronic ionization processes in the nuclear scattering interaction is calculated and compared to the Lindhard model. It is shown that the neutron ionization causes a positive charge buildup in the oxide similar to a gamma ionization charge buildup. It is also shown that fast neutrons produce significant ionization energy which can become the major cause for ionization damage in a mixed neutron-gamma environment such as a nuclear blast. Specific experimental results are given for commercial and experimental MOS-FETS. The experimental technique used in achieving an almost pure neutron environment is described. Finally, an ionization dose equivalence for fast neutrons in SiO2 is given and compared to experimental values. This relation should prove useful in future studies of ionization damage in SiO2 subjected to a neutron-gamma environment.     

金刚石中子探测器稳定性和探测效率测试

介绍了金刚石中子探测器主要性能的测试方法。采用14 MeV氘氚中子测试了金刚石中子探测器的稳定性和探测效率,实验结果表明探测器性能稳定,中子探测效率ε_E=8.00×10~(-5)(±9.38%)counts/n·cm~2。SuperMC蒙卡软件对探测效率进行模拟计算,计算结果ε_C=8.69×10~(-5)(±3%)counts/n·cm~2,不确定度范围内认为二者一致。     

Preliminary Experiments on Accelerator-Driven Subcritical Reactor with Pulsed Neutron Generator in Kyoto University Critical Assembly

A series of preliminary experiments on an accelerator-driven subcritical reactor (ADSR) with 14 MeV neutrons were conducted at Kyoto University Critical Assembly (KUCA) with the prospect of establishing a new neutron source for research. A critical assembly of a solid-moderated and -reflected core was combined with a Cockcroft-Walton-type accelerator. A neutron shield and a beam duct were installed in the reflector region for directing as large a number as possible of the high-energy 14MeV neutrons generated by deuteron-tritium (D-T) reactions to the fuel region, since the tritium target is located outside the core. And then, neutrons (14MeV) were injected into a subcritical system through a polyethylene reflector. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the neutron design accuracy of the ADSR with 14MeV neutrons and to examine experimentally the neutronic properties of the ADSR with 14MeV neutrons at KUCA. The reaction rate distribution and the neutron spectrum were measured by the foil activation method for investigating the neutronic properties of the ADSR with 14 MeV neutrons. The eigenvalue and fixed-source calculations were executed using a continuous-energy Monte Carlo calculation code MCNP-4C3 with ENDF/B-VI.2 for the subcriticality and the reaction rate distribution, respectively; the unfolding calculation was done using the SAND-II code coupled with JENDL Activation Cross Section File 96 for the neutron spectrum. The values of the calculated subcriticality and the reaction rate distribution were in good agreement with those of the experiments. The results of the experiments and the calculations demonstrated that the installation of the neutron shield and the beam duct was experimentally valid and that the MCNP-4C3 calculations were accurately carried out for analyzing the neutronic properties of the ADSR with 14MeV neutrons at KUCA.     

银活化探测系统测量X光机中(γ,n)中子注量实验研究

介绍了一种在144keV～2.5MeV具有较平坦的能量响应的银活化探测系统,它采用特殊慢化体结构.将该探测器初步应用到了12MeV LIA的中子测量中,给出了中子产额的初步结果,中子产额分布在2.6×10~9～3.7×10~9个/脉冲.     

涂硼电离室中子探测效率和灵敏度

从电离室工作原理导出了平板型涂硼中子电离室探测效率及灵敏度的计算公式,并求得其热中子探测效率和灵敏度。电离室对热中子探测效率饱和值为1.35%,灵敏度饱和值为9.65×10^-14A•cm^-2•s^-1,与已有公式所得结果8.43×10^-14A•cm^-2•s^-1相近。α粒子和Li离子对探测效率的贡献相差不大,但α粒子对灵敏度的贡献占主导地位。适当的硼膜厚度、慢化快中子、选用浓缩硼均有利于提高涂硼电离室探测效率和灵敏度。     

Assessment of Neutron Cross Sections for Titanium with Neutron Spectrum in Titanium Pile

The measurement of angular neutron spectrum in a quasi-spherical pile of Ti was carried out by the linac time-of-flight method for the assessment of neutron cross sections for Ti in the energy range from a few keV to a few MeV. The measured spectrum in the pile is generally in good agreement with the calculated one from ENDF/B-IV (MAT = 1,286 for Ti) except in the energy range from about 60 keV to a few 100 keV, where the calculation gives considerably lower neutron flux than the measurement.

In order to investigate the cause of this discrepancy between the measured and calculated spectra, the total cross sections for Ti were measured by the transmission method. The results give larger values of total cross sections for Ti by about 30% than ENDF/B-IV below 200 keV, and smaller values by about 10% above 200 keV. These results were ensured at 55 and 147 keV by the measurement using a Si-filtered neutron beam. The calculation based on the measured cross sections shows better agreement with the measured spectrum than that based on ENDF/B-IV. The discrepancy is still observed around 100 keV.

The sensitivity analysis shows the importance of cross sections above 1 MeV and elastic cross sections in the resonance energy region to solve the disagreement between the measured spectrum and the calculated one.     

On the use of silicon as thermal neutron filter

A simple formula is given which allows to calculate the contribution of the total neutron cross-section including the Bragg scattering from different (hkl) planes to the neutron transmission through a solid crystalline silicon. The formula takes into account the silicon form of poly or mono crystals and its parameters. A computer program DSIC was developed to provide the required calculations. The calculated values of the total neutron cross-section of perfect silicon crystal at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures were compared with the experimental ones. The obtained agreement shows that the simple formula fits the experimental data with sufficient accuracy. A good agreement was also obtained between the calculated and measured values of polycrystalline silicon in the energy range from 5 eV to 500 μeV. The feasibility study on using a poly-crystalline silicon as a cold neutron filter and mono-crystalline as a thermal neutron one is given. The optimum crystal thickness, mosaic spread, temperature and cutting plane for efficiently transmitting the thermal reactor neutrons, while rejecting both fast neutrons and gamma rays accompanying the thermal ones for the mono crystalline silicon are also given.     

Comparison of measured and calculated neutron and gamma ray energy spectra behind an in-line shielded duct

Integral experiments that measure the transport of 14 MeV neutrons through a 0.30-m-diameter duct having a length-to-diameter ratio of 2.83 that is partially plugged with a 0.15 m diameter, 0.51 m long shield comprised of alternating layers of stainless steel type 304 and borated polyethylene have been carried out at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Measured and calculated neutron and gamma ray energy spectra are compared at several locations relative to the mouth of the duct. The measured spectra were obtained using an NE-213 liquid scintillator detector with pulse shape discrimination methods used to simultaneously resolve neutron and gamma ray events. The calculated spectra were obtained using a computer code network that incorporates two radiation transport methods: discrete ordinates (with P₃ multigroup cross sections) and Monte Carlo (with continuous point cross sections). The two radiation transport methods are required to account for neutrons that singly scatter from the duct to the detectors. The calculated and measured neutron energy spectra above 850 keV agree within 5–50% depending on detector location and neutron energy. The calculated and measured gamma ray energy spectra above 750 keV are also in favorable agreement, 5–50%, depending on detector location and gamma ray energy.     

MCNP计算含肿瘤Snyder修正头部模型的硼中子俘获治疗剂量

为得出硼中子俘获治疗(BNCT)中不同能量中子在含肿瘤Snyder修正头部模型内的深度-剂量曲线,籍以进一步理解BNCT原理,优化BNCT治疗中子源的能谱分布,本文利用MCNP模拟计算0.025 3 eV、1 eV、1 keV、10 keV、100 keV、1 MeV和混合能量的超热中子源在含肿瘤Snyder修正头部模型内的硼剂量、热中子剂量、超热和快中子剂量以及次级光子剂量组分的深度-剂量分布,并在此基础上得到总的相对生物学剂量的深度-剂量分布,以判断不同能量组中子源在BNCT中的优劣。结果表明,热中子头皮浅表处硼剂量高于肿瘤区硼剂量;快中子源硼剂量小,但其剂量组分中超热和快中子剂量过大;超热中子具有一定的穿透性,在脑深部肿瘤区形成了较高的硼剂量和总的相对生物学剂量。说明超热中子具有良好的BNCT治疗效果,热中子和快中子不适宜用于脑部BNCT治疗。