A peer-reviewed journal published by K. N. Toosi University of Technology

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute (NSTRI)‎, ‎Reactor & Nuclear Safety School‎, ‎AEOI‎, ‎Tehran‎, ‎Iran

Abstract

‎Spallation process is the most significant process for neutron generation in industry and medicine‎. ‎This process has been used in the subcritical reactor core‎. ‎In this research‎, ‎we study the neutronic behavior of non-fissionable and fissionable spallation targets consists of U-238‎, ‎Th-232‎, ‎Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) and W-184 materials in cylindrical and conic shapes using MCNPX code‎. ‎Neutronic parameters consist of spallation neutron yield‎, ‎deposition energy‎, ‎and angular spectrum of the neutron output‎. ‎The gas production rate and residual mass spectrum were investigated‎. ‎The results of this research indicate that the shape of the target must be selected based on target material and operational purposes‎. ‎The number of neutrons per energy unit is stable at energies higher than 1 GeV‎, ‎and the rate of change in neutron generation has been reduced after that‎. ‎Furthermore‎, ‎hydrogen is the principal factor in swelling of spallation target and consists of about 88% of gas production‎. ‎It was found that a target of LBE provides the most favorite parameters for both neutronic and physical properties‎.

Highlights

  • Cone shaped U-238 generates a significant neutron yield‎, ‎and heat as well‎.
  • ‎ Hydrogen is the principal factor in swelling of spallation target and it consists of about 88% of gas production‎.
  • ‎The results show that the shape of the target plays the most important role on angular distribution‎.
  • ‎LBE target provides favorite parameters for both neutronic and physical properties‎.

Keywords

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