Benchmark MCNP computer code simulation results against experimental data of neutron flux and spectrum from neutron imaging system of Tehran research reactor

Zamani, Majid; Shayesteh, Mohsen

doi:10.22034/rpe.2023.406935.1152

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Physics Department, Imam Hossein University, P. O. Box 16575-347, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/rpe.2023.406935.1152

Abstract

Using the experimental data in nuclear computing to verify the calculation methods and tools based on numerical and statistical methods has many benefits such as illustrating the quality, ensuring the capabilities, and computer codes validating. Simulation by computer tools is also applicable in the safety analysis of research reactors. In this research, the computer tool (MCNPX 2.7.0: 2011) was verified against the experimental data of neutron flux and spectrum on the sample position of the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) neutron imaging system by the neutron activation method. To determine the benchmark specifications, the simulation of the system was done at the first step by considering a well-defined facility geometric, material specification and reactor core configuration, fuel elements, and radiation facility (beam tubes and collimator, reactor core, and neutron imaging components). Then the flux and neutron spectrum at the sample position were calculated. In the second step, a set of In (bare and covered by cd) and Au foils and a set of Au, Ni, Ti, and Zr, were placed and exposed almost in front of the reactor E beam tube. The neutron energy spectrum was unfolded by calculating the saturation activity of each foil by SAND-II code, and the neutron flux was calculated. A comparison of the results obtained in two steps shows a relatively good and acceptable agreement (Max. 30% deviation) between the flux and the shape of the flux profile obtained from calculations and experimental data.

Highlights

Irradiation of samples by monochromatic neutron beam of E-beam tube.
Using the neutron activation method to determine the neutron flux.
Investigating the neutron imaging system of the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).
Unfolding the neutron energy spectrum.
Benchmark study to validate the calculation tool against experimental data.

Keywords

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Radiation Physics and Engineering

Benchmark MCNP computer code simulation results against experimental data of neutron flux and spectrum from neutron imaging system of Tehran research reactor

References

References

Volume 5, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 11-19

Benchmark MCNP computer code simulation results against experimental data of neutron flux and spectrum from neutron imaging system of Tehran research reactor

References

References

Volume 5, Issue 1January 2024Pages 11-19

Volume 5, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 11-19