Measurement of k_(eff) by delayed neutron multiplication in subcritical systems

In this paper, we build on the concept of equivalent fundamental-mode source to propose using delayed neutrons as a neutron source in multiplication experiments to acquire the effective multiplication factor keffof subcritical systems, which is difficult to acquire directly from conventional neutron source multiplication method. We analyzed the difference between a fundamental-mode fission source and delayed neutron source,then adopted a factor to convert delayed neutron distribution to an equivalent fundamental-mode source distribution, and employed Monte Carlo code to acquire this factor.The delayed neutron multiplication measurement method was established for the first time, and corresponding experiments were conducted in subcritical systems. The multiplication of delayed neutrons was measured based on Chinese Fast Burst Reactor-Ⅱ(CFBR-Ⅱ) at subcritical states, and keffwas acquired from delayed neutron multiplication successfully(0.9921 and 0.9969, respectively).The relative difference between k_(eff)obtained by the new method and previous values acquired by the positive period method is less than 1% for these two studied cases.     

反应堆物理实验中的源倍增法研究

给出了反应堆物理实验中临界测量和次临界度测量通常所采用的源倍增方法研究。首先从有源的扩散理论出发,导出了与以前不同的源倍增方法的公式。源倍增方法测量的参数实际是次临界系统在外源作用下的有源次临界中子倍增因子ks,而不是在这之前的中子有效倍增因子keff,然后研究了实验装置的临界质量,研究了ks与外源位置和能谱的关系,证明了导出的源倍增方法的理论是正确的。该方法可像过去那样用于反应堆物理实验中的临界外推测量,但不能用于次临界度测量。解决了长期困扰人们有关源倍增方法测量的参数问题。最后讨论了ks和keff的差别和关系以及对临界外推测量和核临界安全的影响。     

The conversion factor of Keff to K3.7 in thermoluminescence dating

In the fine-grain TL dating the full α dose must be converted into the equivalent β dose.The conversion is finished by Keff-value,which is an effective α effectiveness.But the Keff can not be measured directly for each sample and only the external radiative efficiency K3.7 can be measured.In order to obtain the Keff a special study for the conversion factor of Keff to K3.7 has been made using the ultrathin TLD.The results show that the conversion factor of the TLD for archaeological samples is 0.847,which is in agrcement with calculated value 0.85.     

Effects of neutron spectrum and external neutron source on neutron multiplication parameters in accelerator-driven system

The neutron multiplication parameters: neutron multiplication M, subcritical multiplication factor k_s, external source efficiency φ^*, play an important role for numerical assessment and reactor power evaluation of an accelerator-driven system (ADS). Those parameters can be evaluated by using the measured reaction rate distribution in the subcritical system. In this study, the experimental verification of this methodology is performed in various ADS cores; with high-energy (100 MeV) proton–tungsten source in hard and soft neutron spectra cores and 14 MeV D–T neutron source in soft spectrum core. The comparison between measured and calculated multiplication parameters reveals a maximum relative difference in the range of 6.6–13.7% that is attributed to the calculation nuclear libraries uncertainty and accuracy for energies higher than 20 MeV and also dependent on the reaction rate distribution position and count rates. The effects of different core neutron spectra and external neutron sources on the neutron multiplication parameters are discussed.     

Study of the neutron multiplication effect in an active neutron method

The neutron multiplication effect appears when an item contains large amounts of nuclear material. The neutron multiplication effect in this paper means the effect of subsequent fission reactions which are caused by fission neutrons produced by interrogation neutrons from a neutron generator. The previous active neutron method could not distinguish between first-fission and subsequent-fission neutrons and might overestimate the amount of nuclear material. However, the neutron multiplication effect in the active neutron method has not been adequately investigated. We discuss the evaluation method of the multiplication effect in the fast neutron direct interrogation method, one of the active neutron methods, using simulations with the Monte Carlo code MVP and experiments involving uranium waste drums. The first-generation neutrons from an external neutron source generate fission neutrons called second-generation neutrons, the second-generation neutrons generate third-generation neutrons, and so on. This study supposes that the neutron multiplication effect is mainly caused by the third-generation neutrons under the condition that the fourth-generation neutrons are much fewer. This paper proposes a correction method for the neutron multiplication effect in the measured data.     

9Be(d,n)加速器中子源中子照相的研究

加速器中子源比反应堆中子源更具灵活性,北京大学正在发展基于RFQ加速器的小型中子照相装置.为了更好地设计和优化此装置,实现高品质的中子照相,我们在北京大学4.5 MV静电加速器上建立了中子照相实验平台,包括科学级制冷、高灵敏度、低噪声的CCD数字成像系统,模拟基于厚铍靶9Be(d,n)反应RFQ中子源的条件,并利用此系统开展中子成像技术的研究.实验在像平面热中子注量率为5×103 cm-2·s-1或快中子注量率为3.7×104 cm-2·s-1的情况下获得了一定质量的热中子及快中子照片.当利用RFQ直线加速器强中子源时将可获得更高质量的图片,从而可以满足大多数的应用需要.     

Technical analysis of an early fusion neutron source based on the enhancement of the IFMIF/EVEDA accelerator prototype

In the framework of the Engineering Design and Engineering Validation Activities for the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF/EVEDA), three major prototypes have been designed and are being manufactured, commissioned and operated which are firstly the Accelerator Prototype (LIPAc) at Rokkasho, fully representative of the IFMIF low energy (9 MeV) accelerator stage, secondly the EVEDA Lithium Test Loop (ELTL) at Oarai, and thirdly critical components of the High Flux Test Modules to be tested in the helium cooling loop (HELOKA-LP) at Karlsruhe. The present paper analyses possibilities from a technical point of view, for combining, modifying, and enhancing, at limited cost, selected components of the prototypes towards the realisation of an early reduced-flux neutron source, able nonetheless to start the testing of candidate DEMO materials and realising by this a first step towards the construction and operation of a complete IFMIF plant.Various options of deuteron beam parameters, such as energy, current and shape are analysed with respect to their technical challenges and the neutron yield resulting from the nuclear reaction with the Li target. Related requirements for the liquid Li target with respect to jet parameters are evaluated and the neutron mapping in the high flux region is presented underlying an analysis of the available volume for testing reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steels at relevant structural damage levels.     

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.     

一种基于~(103)Rh(n,n′)~(103)Rh~m反应的快中子注量监测方法

给出了一种基于~(103)Rh(n,n′)~(103)Rh~m反应监测快中子注量的方法。根据干扰核素半衰期不同的特点,选取合适的冷却和测量时间,降低了~(103)Rh(n,n′)~(103)Rh~m活化率测量中干扰核素的影响。根据152Eu标定实验结果,利用遗传算法优化探测器尺寸,建立探测器蒙特卡罗算法模型。利用模型校正~(99)Mo-~(99)Tcm放射源实验效率,解决了探测器效率标定和射线自吸收问题。开展了快中子注量监测,实验结果与铁、硫、镍等快中子监测箔一致性较好,测量不确定度约为13.1%。     

Feasibility of a multi-purpose demonstration neutron source based on a compact superconducting spherical tokamak

Tokamak neutron sources would allow near term applications of fusion such as fusion–fission hybrid reactors, elimination of nuclear wastes, production of radio-isotopes for nuclear medicine, material testing and tritium production. The generation of neutrons with fusion plasmas does not require energetic efficiency; thus, nowadays tokamak technologies would be sufficient for such purposes. This paper presents some key technical details of a compact (～1.8 m³ of plasma) superconducting spherical tokamak neutron source (STNS), which aims to demonstrate the capabilities of such a device for the different possible applications already mentioned. The T-11 transport model was implemented in ASTRA for 1.5 D simulations of heat and particle transport in the STNS core plasma. According to the model predictions, total neutron production rates of the order of ～10¹⁵ s^?1 and ～10¹³ s^?1 can be achieved with deuterium/tritium and deuterium/deuterium respectively, with 9 MW of heating power, 1.4 T of toroidal magnetic field and 1.5 MA of plasma current. Engineering estimates indicate that such scenario could be maintained during ～20 s and repeated every ～5 min. The viability of most of tokamak neutron source applications could be demonstrated with a few of these cycles and around ～100 cycles would be required in the worst cases.     

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.     

冷中子源封闭的两相热虹吸系统自稳特性研究

提出包含缓冲罐在内的封闭两相热虹吸自然循环回路的自稳模型.在缓冲罐与冷凝器间连接管的绝热和瞬间温度平衡两个条件下,研究其自稳特性,并与日本京都大学提出的模型进行了对比,提出提高自稳特性的措施.     

~(241)Am-Be源在煤中所形成中子场的参数拟合

研究了7种煤中主要元素对241Am-Be中子源在煤中形成中子场的影响,给出了描述中子场中快中子和热中子数量变化曲线的经验公式和拟合参数。     

ECR离子源实验台的研制

介绍了ECR离子源实验台的工作原理、基本结构和研制过程。作为实验和测试平台,ECR离子源实验台可以很方便的调整离子源各参数,在靶上得到好的束流品质。通过对部件的改进和调试,解决了束流较小的问题,使ECR离子源工作在最佳状态。上述结果可用于中子发生器的运行调试。因此,ECR离子源实验台是强中子发生器所必需的实验设备。与国内外的ECR离子源相比,ECR离子源实验台主要着眼于中子发生器的模拟实验,在结构上强调小型化、实验平台化,在功能上要求能够在线测量许多重要参数。测量结果表明,ECR离子源实验台技术指标达到设计要求。     

中子辐照直拉硅退火后的施主行为

利用多种实验手段对中子辐照直位硅退火过程中特有的施主效应进行了研究；探讨了不同中子辐照注量以及氧对施主形成的影响；报道了低于７５０℃热处理所产生的“施主平台”现象。实验结果表明，该施主在禁带中产生￣４３ＭｅＶ的浅施主能级，它的结构为辐照缺陷与硅、二氧化硅以及碳等组成的亚稳态络合物，其电话性起源于硅和二氧化硅沉淀的界面态。     

Count-loss effect in subcriticality measurement by pulsed neutron source method, (I) investigation on count-loss effect in determination of neutron decay constant

The count-loss effect in determination of neutron decay constant by pulsed neutron source method was investigated. It was found that overestimation of neutron decay constant due to count-loss effect is seen while underestimation appears superiorly as the intensity of pulsed neutron source is getting higher. It was further demonstrated that the well-known count-loss correction procedures are not effective for overestimation although they suppress underestimation. Therefore, the pulsed neutron source method should be modified so as to have robustness against the count-loss effect.     

基于Monte Carlo方法的压水堆相关组件内热源计算与分析

堆芯中核燃料发生裂变时,伴随产生极强的中子及γ辐射,这些辐射在燃料组件中发生能量沉积,产生热应力、辐照损伤等诸多影响反应堆安全运行的因素.尤其对于新型含钆可燃毒物棒组件,国内对此方面的研究需要进一步开展.采用三维蒙特卡罗输运计算程序MCNP和基于ENDF/B的连续截面数据库,对压水堆18个月长、短周期装料方式的堆芯相关组件内热源的释热率分布进行详细计算,计算得出控制棒、阻力塞棒和新型含钆可燃毒物棒释热率精确计算值,并对不同版本数据库中部分关键核素截面对计算结果的影响进行比较分析,为核反应堆堆芯设计提供参考.     

固体径迹法测量水泥反射体中~(252)Cf中子源反射中子

叙述了水泥反射体中~(252)Cf中子源反射中子测量实验原理。测量了无反射体、有反射体、本底三种状态下中子引发~(235)U产生的裂变率。并根据裂变率得到实验模型下水泥反射体对中子的反射系数。比较了不同中子源相同实验模型水泥反射体对中子的反射系数,对反射系数随角度变化趋势进行了分析。同时,对固体径迹探测技术进行了研究,探索了最佳蚀刻条件,得到火花放电计数随信号膜质量厚度及蚀刻厚度变化趋势。标定了固体径迹火花自动计数器效率,发展了固体径迹探测技术。     

多时空通道中子注量率密度数据采集系统方案设计

介绍了用在加速器驱动核能系统(ADS)次临界原理验证装置上的微机化多时空通道中子注量率密度数据采集系统设计方案．该数据采集系统用于采集多个空间位置的中子注量率密度水平随时间变化的数据。     

Count-loss effect in subcriticality measurement by pulsed neutron source method, (II) proposal for utilization of neutron detection system operated in current mode

It was pointed out in the previous paper that the neutron decay constant determined by the pulsed neutron source method that employs the neutron detection system operated in the pulse mode is expected to be biased owing to the count-loss effect even when the intensity of pulsed neutron source is not high. To avoid this difficulty, by paying attention to the current mode that is inherently free from the count-loss process, the pulsed neutron source method with neutron detection system operated in the current mode was proposed. Using this method, not only the neutron decay constant but also the absolute value of subcriticality are obtained when a proper time constant of neutron detection system is selected.