Re-evaluation of neutron displacement cross sections for silicon carbide by a Monte Carlo approach

Abstract

Neutron displacement cross sections for SiC are re-evaluated by a Monte Carlo approach, with damage energies of primary recoils calculated by the stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) code. The validity of the Monte Carlo model is examined by the case of iron, and the results show good agreement with the reference values. Neutron displacement cross sections for SiC at energies up to 100 MeV are calculated, and averaged over the neutron spectra of a fusion DEMO reactor, the high flux test module of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility, and typical fission test reactors. Gas production is also calculated for those neutron irradiation facilities. Finally, the suitability of the displacement cross sections is discussed. The results on comparison among neutron irradiation of different facilities by the current displacement cross sections are similar to those by results of the previous work. Moreover, since neutron displacement cross sections in this study are calculated with damage energies of primary recoils calculated by SRIM, neutron damage evaluated by our displacement cross sections is suitable for correlation with damage by heavy ions calculated by SRIM.