Determining the Fast Neutron Flux Density and Transmutation Level Measurements in ADS by the Use of a Threshold Nuclear Reaction

Abstract

Determining the Fast Neutron Flux Density and Transmutation Level Measurements in the ADS by the use of a Threshold Nuclear Reaction. The aim of the project was determining the fast neutron flux density by using data from the Quinta experiment (E+T RAW collaboration). The experimental assembly based on natural uranium was irradiated by a 660 MeV proton beam. To gain the knowledge about the neutron flux inside the experimental assembly, nuclear threshold reactions of (n, xn) type were used. The level of isotopes production are measured by the activation method using a gamma radiation HPGe detector. This paper describes the Quinta assembly, experimental results, calibration procedure and average high energy neutron calculation based on yttrium (Y-89) isotopes production. In the future, results and conclusions from an experiment like this could be useful to design accelerator-driven subcritical systems (ADS) or other 4th generation fast reactors. The investigation has been performed at the Laboratory of High Energy Physics, JINR.