微型中子源反应堆中子谱参数测量

以Au、Zr和Fe为活化探测器,采用裸探测器法测量中国原子能科学研究院微型中子源反应堆的中子谱参数f、α、f_F和φ_th。内辐照座的α、f和f_F分别为－0.007±0.003、20.8±0.4、5.5±0.2。该方法对φ_th的测量结果与4πβ-γ符合法的一致,相对偏差小于2%。与SLOWPOKE相比,微堆有较高的α、f_F值。与已有测量数据的比较表明,微堆中子谱在很长一个时期内是稳定的,利用微堆作为中子源的k₀法中子活化分析不需中子注量率监测器,且比较器一经照射和测量后,可用于其后较长时间内所有分析的计算标准。     

微堆超热中子活化分析在地学样品测定中的应用

微型中子源反应堆(简称微堆)是以高浓铀(235 U)作燃料的轻水欠慢化型反应堆,辐照孔道内存在有较大份额的超热中子和快中子,适合进行超热中子活化分析(ENAA)的实验研究。地质样品成分复杂,在用普通的中子活化分析时,基体元素影响了部分元素的准确测定。为降低基体成分的本底干扰、改善目标元素的测量精密度和检出限,可采用超热中子活化分析的方法。本文利用微堆上安装的屏蔽材料为镉的超热中子辐照孔道,测定了元素周期表中67种元素的约130个核素的镉比,讨论了在超热中子活化分析中某些元素的有利因子及铀裂变和(n,p)反应的干扰情况,验证了微堆ENAA方法在地质科学样品检测中的实际应用,证实利用本方法可测定地学样品中20余种元素,其检出限、精密度和准确度均得到了较明显的改善。该法是常规活化分析方法必要的、有益的补充。     

Design of the thermal neutron beam for neutron radiography at the Syrian MNSR

Neutron beam design was studied at the Syrian reactor (MNSR, 30 kW) with a view to generating thermal neutron beam in the vertical irradiation sites for neutron radiography. The design of the neutron collimator was performed using MCNP4C and the ENDF/B-V cross-section library. Thermal, epithermal and fast neutron energy ranges were selected as <0.4 eV, 0.4 eV–10 keV, >10 keV, respectively. To produce a good neutron beam quality, bismuth was used as photon filter. In this design, the L/D ratio of this facility had the value of 125. The thermal neutron flux at the beam exit was about 2.548 × 10⁵ n/cm² s. If such neutron beam were built into the Syrian MNSR many scientific applications would be available using the neutron radiography.     

Four energy group neutron flux distributions in the Syrian Miniature Neutron Source Reactor using the WIMSD4 and CITATION codes

A 3-D (R, θ, Z) neutronic model for the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) was developed earlier to conduct the reactor neutronic analysis. The group constants for all the reactor components were generated using the WIMSD4 code. The reactor excess reactivity and the four group neutron flux distributions were calculated using the CITATION code. This model is used in this paper to calculate the pointwise four energy group neutron flux distributions in the MNSR versus the radius, angle and reactor axial directions. Good agreement is noticed between the measured and the calculated thermal neutron flux in the inner and the outer irradiation sites with relative differences less than 7% and 5%, respectively.     

医院中子照射器中子束流出口处热中子注量率的测量

医院中子照射器是基于微型反应堆而设计的专门用于硼中子俘获治疗（BNCT）的核反应堆装置,其额定功率为30 kW。在堆芯相对两侧分别设有一条热中子束流和超热中子束流用于病人照射,在热中子束流内引出一条实验用热中子束流,用于瞬发γ法测量病人血硼浓度。本工作利用²³⁵U裂变靶和白云母探测片测量了热、超热和实验用热中子束流出口处的热中子绝对注量率。结果显示,在30 kW额定功率运行时,热、超热和实验用热中子束流出口处的热中子注量率分别为1.67×10⁹、2.44×10⁷和3.03×10⁶ cm^-2•s^-1。以上结果达到了BNCT设计要求,并能满足瞬发γ测量血硼浓度的要求。     

Detection of explosives and illicit drugs using neutrons

A procedure developed for the determination of the flux perturbation factor required for the thermal neutron activation analysis of bulky samples of unknown composition has been extended for epithermal neutrons using hydrogenous and graphite moderators. Measurements on the diffusion and backscattering of thermal neutrons in soil components were carried out for the development of novel nuclear methods in order to speed up the humanitarian demining process. Results obtained for the diffusion length were checked by MCNP-4C calculations. In addition, the effect of the weight and density of the explosives on the observation of the anomaly in the reflected thermal neutrons was examined by using different dummy landmines.     

MC simulation of thermal neutron flux of large samples irradiated by 14 MeV neutrons

The response of a 14 MeV neutron-based prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) system, i.e.the prompt gamma-rays count rate and the average thermal neutron flux, is studied with a large concrete sample and with a homogeneous large sample, which is made of polyethylene and metal with various concentrations of hydrogen and cadmium using the MCNP-5 (Monte Carlo N-Particle) code. The average thermal neutron flux is determined by the analysis of the prompt gamma-rays using the thermal neutron activation of hydrogen in the sample, and the thermal and fast neutron activation of carbon graphite irradiation chamber of the PGNAA-system. Our results demonstrated that the graphite irradiation chamber of the PGNAA-system fairly operates, and is useful to estimate the average thermal neutron flux of large samples with various compositions irradiated by 14 MeV neutrons.     

Determination of major kinetic parameters of the Syrian MNSR for different fuel loading using Monte Carlo technique

A comprehensive 3-D model of the Syrian MNSR reactor has been developed using the MCNP-4C code aiming at accurate predicting of key core physics parameters. For the currently utilized HEU fuel (89.87% UAl4-Al) and two possible alternative LEU fuels (UO2 12%, and UO2 20%) the main core kinetics parameters like prompt neutron generation time, effective delayed neutron fraction, clean cold core excess reactivity and reactivity feedback coefficients of moderator temperature have been calculated. In this regard the role of particle weight loss on capture, fission and escape in determining the temperature effect of reactivity has been evaluated. The calculated results for the HEU fuel agree well with experimental values. The evaluated kinetics parameters are being used in accomplishing necessarily safety analyses related to the conversion of MNSR reactor to low enriched uranium.     

Monte Carlo simulation of core physics parameters of the Syrian MNSR reactor

A 3-D neutronic model for the Syrian Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) was developed earlier to conduct the reactor neutronic analysis using the MCNP-4C code. The continuous energy neutron cross sections were evaluated from the ENDF/B-VI library. This model is used in this paper to calculate the following reactor core physics parameters: the clean cold core excess reactivity, calibration of the control rod and calculation its shut down margin, calibration of the top beryllium shim plate reflector, the axial neutron flux distributions in the inner and outer irradiation positions and calculations of the prompt neutron life time (_lp$l_p$) and the effective delayed neutron fraction (_βeff${\beta }_{\mathit{eff}}$). Good agreements are noticed between the calculated and the measured results. These agreements indicate that the established model is an accurate representation of Syrian MNSR core and will be used for other calculations in the future.     

Monte Carlo simulation of a conceptual thermal column in the Syrian miniature neutron source reactor using MCNP-4C

Based on probabilistic approach, the MCNP-4C code has been used effectively to simulate the Syrian MNSR reactor core and all its surrounding components in three dimensions, including a preliminary conceptual design of a thermal column to be installed later. For verification and validation purposes, reactor calculations include: criticality and control rod worth. Values of these parameters are 1.00517 and 6.54 mk, respectively. The thermal column is to be installed in the water of the reactor pool. Optimal conditions for this thermal column were tested using the already developed model. Optimization focused on the most suitable position for placement of the column in the water pool, dimensions, and material. The aim was to have a thermal neutron flux of 1 × 10⁹ n cm⁻² s⁻¹ in the center of thermal column, and resonant and fast neutron fluxes to be as low as possible as well.     

Neutron flux distribution in the irradiation channels of Am–Be neutron source irradiation facility

Monte Carlo (MCNP-5) simulations of the neutron fluxes were performed to determine the radial and axial neutron fluxes of the two irradiation sites of the 20 Ci ²⁴¹Am–Be neutron irradiation facility at NNRI. The geometry of the ²⁴¹Am–Be source as well as the irradiator design, constituted one cylindrical neutron source at the center of a cylindrical barrel with water as moderator. In the far and the near irradiation sites that were 13.1 cm and 4.2 cm, respectively, from the source, the average thermal, epithermal and fast neutron fluxes axially increase exponentially from the bottom and peak at the center of the source 3.0 cm from the bottom of the source and decrease to a very low value at the end of the tube. The percentage of the average thermal flux increases as the distance from the source increases, while the percentages of the epithermal and fast fluxes decrease as the distance from source increases. In the far and near irradiation sites the average radial thermal neutron flux decreases at the rates of 307.02 n cm⁻² s⁻¹ and 961.54 n cm⁻² s⁻¹ per cm along the diameter, respectively. The average radial, epithermal and fast neutron fluxes were fairly uniform along the diameter in the two irradiation sites.     

241Am-Be中子源紧凑型屏蔽装置及辐照器设计

²⁴¹Am-Be中子源被广泛用于实验研究,为保护实验人员免受中子及γ射线照射,需要设计适当的屏蔽。利用蒙特卡罗方法计算中子透射不同材料后的能谱分布与剂量,优选各层屏蔽材料种类与厚度,设计一套²⁴¹Am-Be中子源紧凑型屏蔽装置。装置由内而外采用钨+聚乙烯+含硼聚乙烯+不锈钢进行防护,外表面周围剂量当量率H^*(10)低于10μSv/h,满足辐射防护要求。同时对装置内部热中子、超热中子和快中子注量分布进行研究,确定装置快中子和热中子输出通道最佳位置。在辐照装置同时开放快中子和热中子通道进行实验测试时,需要设置距离大于130 cm的控制区,以保障操作人员安全。     

微型反应堆辐照座内中子温度和超热指标的测定

一、引言对于高浓铀燃料、金属铍反射层,主要作为中子活化分析用的微型反应堆而言,对有关辐照座内的能谱和谱参数必须有所了解,中子温度是重要的谱参数,它基本上反映了反应堆热谱的特征。     

Evaluation of D（d,n）^3 He reaction neutron source models for BNCT irradiation system design

A mathematical method was developed to calculatc the yield.energy spectrum and angular distribution of neutrons from D(d,n)3 He(D-D)reaction in a thick deuterium-titanium target for incident deuterons in energies lower than 1.0MeV.The data of energy spectrum and angular distribution wefe applied to set up the neutron source model for the beam-shaping-assembly(BSA)design of Boron-Neutron-Capture-Therapy(BNCT)using MCNP-4C code.Three cases of D-D neutron source corresponding to incident deuteron energy of 1000.400 and 150 kaV were investigated.The neutron beam characteristics were compared with the model of a 2.45 MeV mono-energetic and isotropic neutron source using an example BSA designed for BNCT irradiation.The results show significant differences in the neutron beam characteristics,particularly the fast neutron component and fast neutron dose in air,between the non-isotropic neutron source model and the 2.5 MeV mono-energetic and isotropic neutron source model.     

Evaluation of D(d,n)3 He reaction neutron source models for BNCT irradiation system design

A mathematical method was developed to calculate the yield,energy spectrum and angular distribution of neutrons from D(d,n)~3He(D-D)reaction in a thick deuterium-titanium target for incident deuterons in energies lower than 1.0MeV.The data of energy spectrum and angular distribution were applied to set up the neutron source model for the beam-shaping-assembly(BSA)design of Boron-Neutron-Capture-Therapy(BNCT)using MCNP-4C code. Three cases of D-D neutron source corresponding to incident deuteron energy of 1000,400 and 150 key were inves- tigated.The neutron beam characteristics were compared with the model of a 2.45 MeV mono-energetic and isotropic neutron source using an example BSA designed for BNCT irradiation.The results show significant differences in the neutron beam characteristics,particularly the fast neutron component and fast neutron dose in air,between the non-isotropic neutron source model and the 2.5 MeV mono-euergetic and isotropic neutron source model.     

Monte Carlo simulation of the Greek Research Reactor neutron irradiation facilities

A Monte Carlo simulation of the Greek Research Reactor was carried out using MCNP-4C2 code and continuous energy cross-section data from ENDF/B-VI library. A detailed model of the reactor core was employed including standard and control fuel assemblies, reflectors and irradiation devices. The model predicted neutron flux distributions within the core in good agreement with calculations performed using the deterministic code CITATION and measurements using activation foils. The model is used for the prediction of the neutron field characteristics at the reactor irradiation devices and enables the design and evaluation of experiments involving material irradiations.     

拓宽微堆的应用

针对微堆注量率低 ,运行时间短 ,制备的中短寿命同位素放射性比度低 ,应用困难。从 2 0世纪80年代以来 ,仪器的微量元素分析技术飞速发展 ,造成中子活化分析的市场日益萎缩。深圳大学根据市场的需要 ,不断进行微堆技术改造。将处于微堆侧面铍反射层中的内辐照管改为超热辐照管和添加顶部铍反射层 ,提高了后备反应性。建立超热活化分析和循环活化分析方法 ,制备了医用放射性玻璃微球。在改善微堆运行性能的基础上 ,拓宽微堆的应用 ,摸索一条新的发展道路。     

Feasibility study of photo-neutron flux in various irradiation channels of Ghana MNSR using a Monte Carlo code

Computer simulation was carried out for photo-neutron source variation in outer irradiation channel, inner irradiation channels and the fission channel of a tank-in-pool reactor, a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) in sub-critical condition. Evaluation of the photo-neutron was done after the reactor has been in sub-critical condition for three month period using Monte Carlo Neutron Particle (MCNP) code. Neutron flux monitoring from the Micro Computer Control Loop System (MCCLS) was also investigated at sub-critical condition. The recorded neutron fluxes from the MCCLS after investigations were used to calculate the power of the reactor at sub-critical state. The computed power at sub-critical state was used to normalize the un-normalized results from the MCNP.     

热中子吸收材料特性模拟计算与分析

以核反应堆为中子源,通过蒙特卡罗(Monte Carlo,MC)方法计算的手段,分析了几种热中子吸收材料的特性,并总结出将热中子吸收材料用于建立超热中子辐射场时的一般规律,从而优选出适用于建立超热中子辐射场的热中子吸收材料.