TY - JOUR
T1 - Design, Construction, and Modeling of a 252Cf Neutron Irradiator
AU - Anderson, Blake C.
AU - Holbert, Keith
AU - Bowler, Herbert
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Blake C. Anderson et al.
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - Neutron production methods are an integral part of research and analysis for an array of applications. This paper examines methods of neutron production, and the advantages of constructing a radioisotopic neutron irradiator assembly using 252Cf. Characteristic neutron behavior and cost-benefit comparative analysis between alternative modes of neutron production are also examined. The irradiator is described from initial conception to the finished design. MCNP modeling shows a total neutron flux of 3 × 105 n/(cm2·s) in the irradiation chamber for a 25 μg source. Measurements of the gamma-ray and neutron dose rates near the external surface of the irradiator assembly are 120 μGy/h and 30 μSv/h, respectively, during irradiation. At completion of the project, total material, and labor costs remained below $50,000.
AB - Neutron production methods are an integral part of research and analysis for an array of applications. This paper examines methods of neutron production, and the advantages of constructing a radioisotopic neutron irradiator assembly using 252Cf. Characteristic neutron behavior and cost-benefit comparative analysis between alternative modes of neutron production are also examined. The irradiator is described from initial conception to the finished design. MCNP modeling shows a total neutron flux of 3 × 105 n/(cm2·s) in the irradiation chamber for a 25 μg source. Measurements of the gamma-ray and neutron dose rates near the external surface of the irradiator assembly are 120 μGy/h and 30 μSv/h, respectively, during irradiation. At completion of the project, total material, and labor costs remained below $50,000.
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U2 - 10.1155/2016/9012747
DO - 10.1155/2016/9012747
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84987903141
SN - 1687-6075
VL - 2016
JO - Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations
JF - Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations
M1 - 9012747
ER -