~(115)In中子非弹性散射截面的实验测量及蒙特卡罗修正

~(115)In是一种重要的活化材料,准确测量它的中子非弹性散射截面数据对中子注量监测具有重要意义。在四川大学原子核科学技术研究所2.5 MV静电质子加速器上,利用核反应D(d,n)~3He产生的单能中子,以~(197)Au作为标准,采用活化法测量了2.95 Me V、3.94 Me V、5.24 Me V能点的~(115)In中子非弹性散射截面。用Monte Carlo程序MCNPX(Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended)对靶头材料、冷却水层和样品的包层材料等引起的多次散射效应及注量率衰减效应等进行了修正计算,得到最终结果与Loevestam的计算值符合较好,并且实验中可通过减小靶管、靶底衬、水层及样品的包层材料等厚度来减小多次散射效应和自屏蔽效应的影响。     

Fission products and secondary gamma-ray spectra in a plutonium-fueled fast reactor

The fission products' gamma-ray and gamma-ray energy source spectra for a gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (GCFR) are calculated for different times after shutdown by modifying the RIBD computer code. The secondary gamma-ray energy source spectrum in the core of a GCFR, from fission, inelastic scattering, and capture reactions, is calculated using a typical GCFR neutron spectrum. The computer code LAPHANO is used to generate the multigroup (n, xγ) neutron-coupled gamma-ray transfer matrix. The weak dependence of capture and inelastic gamma ray source spectrum on the neutron flux spectrum has been noted. The fission products and secondary gamma-ray source spectra obtained can be used to calculate heat generation and refueling shielding requirements, etc.     

用于CSNS反角白光中子能谱及注量率测量的快裂变室

即将建成的中国散裂中子源(China Spallation Neutron Source,CSNS)反角白光中子束线可为核数据测量提供高注量率的脉冲白光中子束流,填补我国核数据测量用白光中子源的空白,提高我国核数据测量水平,满足核能、核技术及基础核物理研究对核数据的需求。该束线建成后,其中子能谱及注量率的精确测量将是开展其它物理实验的基础,快裂变电离室因其独特优点被选为中子能谱和注量率测量探测器。通过实验研究了快裂变电离室的粒子分辨性能、时间分辨性能;确定阴、阳极的合理间距为10 mm,据此测得电离室的时间分辨约15 ns;利用235U样品量计算的探测效率与利用伴随粒子法给出的探测效率在不确定度范围内符合,因此可以标定快裂变室的探测效率。通过这些工作,完成了满足反角白光中子束能谱及注量率测量需求的快裂变室的物理设计。     

在特定实验条件下的散射中子本底研究

研究了d-T中子源与探测器距离较近时,扣除实验大厅散射中子本底的方法。实验上采用屏蔽法,用了铀裂变电离室。用MCNP/4A程序和FENDL2库数据计算了实验大厅散射中子本底曲线。采用实验和计算相结合的方法扣除了在特定实验条件下的散射中子本底,方法是可行的。     

Benchmark experiment on titanium with DT neutron at JAEA/FNS

Titanium is contained in lithium titanate which is a tritium breeding material candidate. In the nuclear design, accurate nuclear data are needed. However, few benchmark experiments had been performed for titanium. We performed a benchmark experiment with a titanium assembly and a DT neutron source at JAEA/FNS. The titanium assembly was covered with Li₂O blocks in order to reduce background neutrons. Dosimetry reaction rates were measured with niobium, indium and gold foils inside the assembly. And fission rates of ²³⁵U were measured by using micro fission chambers. This experiment was analyzed by using the Monte Carlo neutron transport code MCNP5-1.40 with recent nuclear data libraries of ENDF/B-VII.0, ENDF/B-VII.1, JEFF-3.1.2, JENDL-4.0 and JENDL-4.0u1. The calculation results were compared with the measured one in order to validate the nuclear data libraries of titanium. The calculated results with ENDF/B-VII.1 agreed with the measured one the best because the (n,2n) and (n,n′_cont) reaction cross section data and resonance parameters were improved.     

The determination of the Nb(n,n′) Nb cross-section in the neutron energy range 1–6 MeV

Measurements of the 30 keV isomer production cross-section in ⁹³Nb, excited by neutron inelastic scattering have been made at 10 neutron energies in the range 1–6 MeV. Small foils of niobium and suitable monitor elements were exposed to high fluences of monoenergetic neutrons and the cross-section was determined from the K X-ray activities so induced. The high purity Ge detector used in these X-ray measurements was calibrated against a standard solution of ^93mNb which is used as an international reference material for reactor neutron dosimetry. The neutron fluence of the irradiation was measured with a low-efficiency ²³⁵U fission chamber in which the thin fissile deposit was located immediately behind the niobium and monitor foils. The latter acted as secondary measures of the neutron fluence but could be used as the primary standard in the event of failure of the fission chamber. Thus, the production cross-section was measured relative to the ²³⁵U fission cross-section which is a standard reference cross-section. Comparisons are made with other experimental data and with nuclear model calculations of the cross-section and recommended values based on these and our experimental data are presented.     

New Continuous Slowing-Down Theory for Fast Reactor Spectra

A new analytic representation for fast neutron spectra is described, based on the continuous slowing-down theory using generalized slowing-down parameters ξ(u), γ(u) in order to taking account of inelastic scattering.

The theory is basically formulated for neutrons moderated from monoenergetic source. For fast reactor spectra calculations, the fission source is generated by means of fictitious inelastic scattering. Examples of calculation show good agreement with multigroup calculations.     

Measurements and Calculations of Angular Flux Spectra Emitted from Lithium and Graphite Slabs with D-T Neutron Source

Angular dependent flux spectra from slab assemblies (lithium and graphite) were measured to test nuclear data and calculational methods for D-T fusion reactor neutronics. The collimated 14 MeV neutron source could be applied by the use of an associated particle method and the neutron spectra from 14 to 2 MeV were observed with TOF technique. The measured spectral pattern was dependent on the anisotropy of secondary neutrons emitted from both the elastic and the non-elastic scattering for 14 MeV neutrons. As for the numerical calculations, one-dimensional discrete ordinates transport codes (ANISN and NITRAN) were used. The multigroup cross sections processed with SPTG4Z from ENDF/B-IV were used as common nuclear data base. The problems of calculational methods and nuclear data were discussed in comparison with the experimental data and it was clarified that sufficient nuclear data of angular dependent cross sections for the non-elastic scattering have not been available in ENDF/B-IV and that the anisotropy of the scattering could not be calculated with ANISN which utilized the scattering kernel generated by incorrect treatment of scattering kinematics in the processing code. However, good agreement between the measurements and calculations was obtained by the use of NITRAN system with the appropriate processing codes of inelastic scattering anisotropies. It was shown that the NITRAN system was useful for anisotropic neutron transport calculations.     

Physical investigation for neutron consumption and multiplication in fusion–fission hybrid test blanket module

Inelastic scattering of high energy fusion neutrons does affect the performance of fusion blanket based on the choice of different materials. It will also affect the behavior of source neutrons in a subcritical fusion fission hybrid blanket and consequently the transmutation and tritium breeding performance. A fusion fission hybrid test blanket module (HTBM) is designed which is presumed to be tested in a large sized tokamak and plasma neutron source is similar to ITER. In this preliminary design of HTBM the neutron source and loss factors are computed for the detailed neutronic performance analysis. The neutronic analysis of hybrid blanket module is performed for five different TRU fuel types: TRU-Zr, TRU-Mo, TRU-Oxide, TRU-Carbide and TRU-Nitride. In this module design, it is aimed to burn and transmute the TRU nuclides from high-level radioactive waste of PWR spent fuel. The effect of TiC reflector on transmutation and tritium breeding performance of HTBM is also quantified. MCNPX is used for neutronic computations. Neutron spectrum, capture to fission ratio and waste transmutation ratio of each fuel type are compared to evaluate their waste transmutation performance. Tritium breeding ratio is also compared for two coolant options: Li and LiPb eutectic.     

Monte Carlo Calculations of Source Characteristics of FNS Water Cooled Type Tritium Target

The source neutron characteristics of a water cooled type tritium target at the Fusion Neutronics Source (FNS) facility were calculated using a three-dimensional Monte Carlo method. The angular distribution and the energy spectra of the source neutrons were calculated and compared with the measured results. The comparison showed a reasonable agreement which increased the confidence of both measurement and calculation. The calculated neutron spectra which are free from the detector resolution smearing and which extend to lower neutron energy, will be used as the reference source for the future analyses of the experiments using the present-type water cooled target.     

Sources: A code for calculating (alpha,n), spontaneous fission,and delayed neutron sources and spectra

SOURCES is a computer code that determines neutron production rates and spectra from (alpha, n) reactions, spontaneous fission, and delayed neutron emission due to the decay of radionuclides in homogeneous media, interface problems, and three-region interface problems. The code is also capable of calculating the neutron production rates due to (alpha, n) reactions induced by a monoenergetic beam of alpha particles incident on a slab of target material. The (alpha, n) spectra are calculated using an assumed isotropic angular distribution in the center-of-mass system with a library of 107 nuclide decay alpha-particle spectra, 24 sets of measured and/or evaluated (alpha, n) cross sections and product nuclide level branching fractions, and functional alpha particle stopping cross sections for Z < 106. Spontaneous fission sources and spectra are calculated with evaluated half-life, spontaneous fission branching, and Watt spectrum parameters for 44 actinides. The delayed neutron spectra are taken from an evaluated library of 105 precursors. The code outputs the magnitude and spectra of the resultant neutron sources. It also provides an analysis of the contributions to that source by each nuclide in the problem.     

中子注量空间分布规律的理论模拟

分别以高斯聚变中子谱和麦克斯韦裂变中子谱为源谱,采用Monte-Carlo方法,对中子从不同的源高度到达不同轨道高度及不同角度处的中子注量进行数值计算,通过对计算结果进行曲线拟合,获得中子注量的空间分布规律。同时引入方向散射因子的概念,并通过对方向散射因子变化规律的研究来获得中子的大气散射规律。     

CENDL库中Fe、W评价数据的改进对屏蔽积分实验计算结果的影响

利用中国原子能科学研究院核数据重点实验室中子积分实验装置,分别完成了氘氚中子与不同尺寸Fe、W样品作用的泄漏中子飞行时间谱实验测量。利用MCNP 4C程序开展了泄漏中子飞行时间谱的模拟计算,Fe和W的评价数据分别采用CENDL 32库及CENDL 31库的数据,并将两数据库模拟结果与实验结果进行对比分析,重点分析了CENDL 32库中Fe和W的数据的改进与不足。结果表明：对Fe中子评价数据,CENDL 32库在弹性散射能区、连续能级非弹性散射能区及分立能级非弹性散射能区,模拟结果均与实验结果符合较好,较CENDL 31库有明显改善;对W中子评价数据,CENDL 32库在非弹性散射能区的模拟结果与实验结果符合较好,较CENDL 31库有明显改善,但在弹性散射能区模拟结果高于实验结果,在(n,2n)反应能区模拟结果低于实验结果。CENDL 32库关于天然W的中子评价数据有待进一步改善。     

Neutron Transport Calculations by Using Double-Differential Cross Sections

Some test calculations were carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of double-differential cross sections for neutron transport calculations including anisotropic scattering. A transport code system NITRAN was applied for the purpose. In NITRAN, the anisotropy of elastic and inelastic scattering can be treated in a general form by double-differential total neutron-emission cross sections, which are generated from single-differential and/or original double-differential cross section data base.

The test calculations were performed for neutron flux spectra in aluminum and lead slabs, and also for tritium production rates in a natural lithium sphere. Since the treatment free from collision kinematics is possible by using the double-differential cross sections in the Sⁿcalculations, the discretization of secondary neutron energy distribution becomes independent of the segmentation of angular distribution. A significant improvement due to this independence can be seen in calculating the anisotropy of general inelastic scattering and the extreme anisotropy of elastic scattering by heavy nuclei. For precise anisotropic transport calculations, it is therefore concluded that the nuclear data of double-differential type are more suitable than those of single-differential type.     

Excitation functions of the individual levels of the nuclei U235, U233, and Pu239, including competition between inelastic neutron scattering and fission of the nuclei

N. Bohr's statistical theory [1, 2] has been used to calculate the excitation functions for inelastic scattering of neutrons at the individual levels of the target nuclei U²³⁸, U²³³, and Pu²³⁹ including competition between inelastic scattering and fission. The fission width was found from N. Bohr and Wheller's formula [3] including the penetrability of the fission barrier as given by Hill and Wheller [4]. The fission thresholds and the number of transition states at the saddle point were taken both from the experimental data of [5], and the theoretical data of [6].In conclusion the authors express their gratitude to L. N. Usachev, V. S. Stavinskii, and N. S. Rabotnov for their valuable comments and discussions as well as to L. S. Anufrienko for doing the calculational work.     

Measurements of Double-Differential Neutron Emission Cross Sections of 6Li, 7Li and 9Be for 11.5 MeV and 18.0 MeV Neutrons

Double-differential neutron emission cross sections (DDXs) of ⁶Li, ⁷Li and ⁹Be were measured for 18.0 MeV and 11.5 MeV incident neutrons produced by the T(d, n) and ¹⁵N(d, n) reactions respectively, using the Tohoku University Dynamitron time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer. The data were obtained at 13 laboratory angles, and angular-differential cross sections (ADXs) of elastic and inelastic scattering neutrons were derived from the DDXs. For 11.5 MeV neutrons, we obtained the neutron emission spectra over the secondary neutron energies by newly employing the double TOF method as well as the conventional one. In the measurements at 18.0 MeV, we achieved better energy resolution than in our previous studies by using a neutron detector that has a larger solid angle and a thinner tritium target. The experimental results of DDXs and ADXs were compared with our previous results and the evaluated data given in JENDL-3.2, JENDL Fusion File and ENDF/B-VI. It is found that the JENDL data reproduce the experimental ones very well.     

能谱变化对239Pu裂变室测量快中子注量的影响

热中子和共振区的中子在快中子临界装置中所占的份额很小,但是由于其相对大的截面,在慢化物存在的情况下,热中子和共振中子份额的微小变化,对^239Pu裂变室测量中子注量的结果影响很大。通过测量^239Pu裂变电离室在包镉和包硼、周围有无慢化物等情况下的反应率,Au、In活化片的镉比,S活化片在能谱变化下与^239。Pu的反应率比等,分析了快中子临界装置中热中子和共振区中子的分布,讨论了中子能谱变化对^239Pu裂变室测量快中子注量的影响及解决办法。     

中子粉末衍射谱仪垂直聚焦单色器的调试方法

介绍了中子散射谱仪用的中子垂直聚焦单色器的基本原理,描述了安装在中国工程物理研究院核物理与化学研究所的中子衍射谱仪的中子垂直聚焦单色器的调节方法.在样品处利用中子照相确定了束斑的中心位置和大小,通过在水平和垂直方向上的扫描得到了可利用的中子束的面积,测量了该处的最大中子注量率,结果表明在样品处得到略大于一倍的增益.     

Cross Section Assessment by Measurement of Time Dependent Neutron Spectra from Lithium Assemblies

Time dependent neutron spectra from lithium assemblies were measured to assess the neutron cross sections of ⁷Li in ENDF/B-IV, which is important nuclide for the D-T fusion reactor blanket material. Pulsed neutrons produced by D-D or D-T reaction were used to measure leakage neutron spectra from cubical lithium assemblies as a function of time by the use of NE213 liquid scintillator. Calculations of time dependent neutron spectra were carried out by the Monte Carlo code SIMON, which was prepared for this study. The group constants used in these calculations were processed from ENDF/B-IV data. The calculated and the measured neutron spectra were compared for the following three; a stationary spectrum, spectra at each time interval and decay curves for specified energy groups. Discrepancies between the measured and the calculated neutron spectra were found in these comparisons. In order to assure the cause of these discrepancies, some calculations were carried out with recently measured cross sections of inelastic scattering which excite 0.478 and 4.63 MeV level of ⁷Li. It was concluded that some of the neutron cross section data of ⁷Li in ENDF/B-IV should be ameliorated.     

Integral neutronics experiments in analytical mockups for blanket of a hybrid reactor

The paper describes recent progress in integral neutronics experiments in the analytical mockups for the blanket in a fusion-fission hybrid energy reactor. A conceptual blanket of the hybrid reactor is mainly loaded with natural uranium and lithium material. In the fission fuel region, uranium material and light water are arranged alternately. The mockups of the conceptual blanket are designed and used for checking neutron property of the blanket by integral experiments. Based on materials available, the spherical fission mockup for fission research and plutonium production consists of three layers of depleted uranium shells and several layers of polyethylene and graphite shells. The spherical lithium mockup for tritium production consists of depleted uranium and LiPb alloy shells. The cubic mockup consists of natural uranium and polyethylene and its structure is basically consistent with one of the fuel region. In the mockups with the D-T neutron source, the plutonium production rates, uranium fission rates and tritium production rates are measured, separately. The measured results are compared to the calculated ones with MCNP-4B code and ENDF/B-VI library data.