Irradiation Devices Research Articles

Core parametric study for enhancing the radioisotope production in the IEA-R1 research reactor

In this work a parametric study was carried to increase the production of radioisotopes in the IEA-R1 research reactor. The changes proposed to implement in the IEA-R1 reactor core were the substitution of graphite reflectors by beryllium reflectors, the removal of 4 fuel elements to reduce the core size and make available 4 additional locations to be occupied by radioisotope irradiation devices. The key variable analyzed is the thermal neutron flux in the irradiation devices. The proposed configuration with 20 fuel elements in an approximately cylindrical geometry provided higher average neutron flux (average increment of 12.9 %) allowing higher radioisotope production capability. In addition, it provided 4 more positions to install irradiation devices which allow a larger number of simultaneous irradiations practically doubling the capacity of radioisotope production in the IEA-R1 reactor. The insertion of Be reflector elements in the core has to be studied carefully since it tends to promote strong neutron flux redistribution in the core. A verification of design and safety parameters of the proposed core was carried out. The annual fuel consumption will increase about 17 % and more storage space for spent fuel will be required.

Fuel rod nonlinear vibrations to detect and characterize Pellet-Cladding Interaction

Pellet-Cladding Interaction (PCI) in a Light Water Reactor is one of the major concerns to guarantee clad integrity while attempting at increasing the flexibility of PWR nuclear reactor operations to follow power grid demand. In order to forbid operations leading to clad failure, modeling capability to simulate the mechanism has improved through the years. Code development needs detailed and precise experimental data. Those data result from dedicated irradiation programs, named “power ramp tests”, carried out in experimental devices in Material Testing Reactors (e.g. in France ISABELLE in OSIRIS in the past (Alberman et al., 1997), the ADELINE loop in the Jules Horowitz Reactor JHR in the next future (Cheymol et al., 2011)). Those irradiation devices are highly instrumented to collect the most relevant information with the highest possible accuracy. In parallel with information gained thanks to post-irradiation examination programs, research is working on innovative methodologies to detect and characterize PCI kinetics during the tests. In this frame, we investigate the technological feasibility to measure the effects of PCI, on the vibrations of a nuclear fuel rod externally submitted to the turbulent axial flow rate excitation. We designed and realized the out-of-pile IMPIGRITIA set-up to reproduce, in controlled laboratory conditions, the mechanical interaction originating in the nuclear reactor. A single PWR rod test section, reproducing the main relevant geometrical and material characteristics of ADELINE experimental system, is submitted to the hydraulic excitation representative of the real case. The local closure of the gap is obtained by means of a remotely controlled expansion system. Measurements of the transverse displacement of the sample rod are collected by Laser Doppler Vibrometry. In this paper we introduce the design of the mock-up and the associated measurement method, then we present the two experimental phases and their results: the first one in air, to show the feasibility of the measurement in air in controlled conditions; the second one under turbulent flow rate to state on the feasibility of the passive detection. At the end, conclusions and perspectives for the work are discussed.

Spatial analysis of the impact of UVGI technology in occupied rooms using ray-tracing simulation.

The use of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) devices in the upper zones of occupied buildings has gained increased attention as one of the most effective mitigation technologies for the transmission of COVID-19. To ensure safe and effective use of upper-room UVGI, it is necessary to devise a simulation technique that enables engineers, designers, and users to explore the impact of different design and operational parameters. We have developed a simulation technique for calculating UV-C fluence rate within the volume of the upper zone and planar irradiance in the lower occupied zone. Our method is based on established ray-tracing light simulation methods adapted to the UV-C wavelength range. We have included a case study of a typical hospital patient room. In it, we explored the impact of several design parameters: ceiling height, device location, room configuration, proportions, and surface materials. We present a spatially mapped parametric study of the UV-C irradiance distribution in three dimensions. We found that the ceiling height and mounting height of the UVGI fixtures combined can cause the largest variation (up to 22%) in upper zone fluence rate. One of the most important findings of this study is that it is crucial to consider interreflections in the room. This is because surface reflectance is the design parameter with the largest impact on the occupant exposure in the lower zone: Applying materials with high reflectance ratio in the upper portion of the room has the highest negative impact (over 700% variation) on increasing hot spots that may receive over 6mJ/cm2 UV dose in the lower occupied zone.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) on cholangiocarcinoma using a novel catheter device with light emitting diodes.

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a novel therapy for cancers that uses NIR light and antibody‐photosensitizer (IR700) conjugates. However, it is difficult to deliver NIR light into the bile duct for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) from the conventional extracorporeal apparatus. Thus, in this study, we developed a dedicated catheter with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that supersedes conventional external irradiation devices; we investigated the therapeutic effect of NIR‐PIT for CCA using the novel catheter. The new catheter was designed to be placed in the bile duct and a temperature sensor was attached to the tip of the catheter to avoid thermal burn. An anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, Panitumumab‐IR700 conjugate or anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) antibody, Trastuzumab‐IR700 conjugate, was used with EGFR‐ or HER2‐expressing cell lines, respectively. The in vitro efficacy of NIR‐PIT was confirmed in cultured cells; the capability of the new catheter for NIR‐PIT was then tested in a mouse tumor model. NIR‐PIT via the developed catheter treated CCA xenografts in mice. NIR‐PIT had an effect in Panitumumab‐IR700 conjugate‐ and Trastuzumab‐IR700 conjugate‐treated CCA cells that depended on the receptor expression level. Tumor growth was significantly suppressed in mice treated with NIR‐PIT using the novel catheter compared with controls (P < .01). NIR‐PIT was an effective treatment for EGFR‐ and HER2‐expressing CCA cells, and the novel catheter with mounted LEDs was useful for NIR‐PIT of CCA.

Skin and eye protection against ultraviolet C from ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the COVID‐19 pandemic depleting personal protective equipment worldwide, various methods including ultraviolet C (UVC) germicidal irradiation (UVGI) have been implemented to decontaminate N95 filtering facepiece respirators. These devices pose a risk for UVC exposure to the operator with reported adverse effects generally limited to the eyes and skin. Our hospitals are currently using UVC devices for N95 decontamination with a few reported cases of face and neck erythema from exposure. Because sunscreens are designed and tested for UVA and UVB protection only, their effects on blocking UVC are largely unknown. Therefore, our objective was to determine if various sunscreens, UV goggles, and surgical mask face shields minimize UVC exposure from UVGI devices. Our study clearly demonstrated that healthcare workers responsible for the disinfection of PPE using UVGI devices should always at least utilize clear face shields or UV goggles and sunscreen to protect against side effects of UVC exposure.

Research study of possibility producing radioisotope Mo-99 in the active core of the BN-600 reactor using an irradiated assembly with a high flux of thermal and resonance neutrons

It is fact that production of secondary fuel isotopes (plutonium) is carried out in fast neutron reactors, and the possibility of production of non-fuel radioactive isotopes for use in medicine and industry is being considered. BN-600 has a high power density in the core. This makes it possible to achieve a high rate of fission of target nuclei, which is especially important in the case of the production of radioisotopes, due to their short half-life. To meet the growing demand for isotopes, it is planned to use irradiation devices in high-power sodium fast reactors. This type of irradiation device assumes a massive production of the necessary isotopes. The paper considers the design of irradiation devices for the production of molybdenum-99 isotope in the BN reactor. The presented design of the irradiation assembly contains a moderator in order to combine the advantages of the high neutron flux inherent in fast reactors and the thermal neutron spectrum inherent in thermal reactors.

Ultraviolet air disinfection in ventilation and air conditioning systems

Not only human health depends on the microbiological purity of air, but also the production processes efficiency at the enterprises of agriculture, food, pharmaceutical industry, and other human activities. To solve the problems of microbiological air pollution and ventilation as well as air conditioning systems, ultraviolet irradiation devices based on low-pressure Hg-lamps are traditionally used. Based on world experience in air treatment of ventilation and air conditioning systems, convenient to use, the energy-efficient, small-sized and safe-to-operate disinfection devices based on amalgam ultraviolet lamps have been created. Recognizing the importance of the problem and taking into account the regulatory documents requirements, we have created professional installations for the ventilation, air channels and air conditioning systems’ disinfection: ultraviolet modules MEGALIT and bactericidal cells MEGALIT AERO.

Computational evaluation of dose distribution for BNCT treatment combined with X-ray therapy or proton beam therapy

In this study, we performed Monte Carlo simulations to accurately reflect the beam delivery systems including patient-specific irradiation devices of X-ray and proton beam therapies. The dose distributions obtained from the simulations for X-rays or proton beams were successfully combined to the dose distribution of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which was calculated by a treatment planning system called Tsukuba Plan. The results demonstrate the feasibility of dose evaluation for BNCT combined with other radiotherapy modalities using the Tsukuba Plan.

УТОЧНЕНИЯ НЕЙТРОННО-ФИЗИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ РЕАКТОРА СМ-3 ДЛЯ РАСЧЁТОВ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ИМИТАТОРА IMCOR_SM

When calculating the maintenance of the operation of nuclear reactors, the most popular are calculations according to precision programs based on detailed core models, which make it possible to predict the characteristics of the upcoming reactor campaign or to calculate the conditions for irradiation of materials in it. Such calculations are of particular importance when justifying the modernization of a reactor or loading new irradiation devices. With small changes in the layout of the core, it is possible, on the basis of operational data, to estimate the magnitude of the systematic error of the design model arising from simplifications in the description of the core, and then make an appropriate correction later. When significant changes take place in the core, for example, during the modernization of the reactor, such corrections can no longer be used, since such an approach can lead to additional uncertainty in the calculations. Due to the fact that neutron-physical calculations in carrying out these works are the most important, the refinement of calculation models and finding the sources of systematic uncertainty is of great practical importance. The paper describes the refinements of the design model of the SM reactor. The division of beryllium into separate zones with the same nuclide composition has been clarified. An optimal list of nuclides for calculations was selected, and the effect of thermal expansion of materials on reactivity was investigated. The approach used by the authors is applicable to other models of research reactors.

Three-dimensional printing in radiation oncology: A systematic review of the literature.

Purpose/objectivesThree‐dimensional (3D) printing is recognized as an effective clinical and educational tool in procedurally intensive specialties. However, it has a nascent role in radiation oncology. The goal of this investigation is to clarify the extent to which 3D printing applications are currently being used in radiation oncology through a systematic review of the literature.Materials/methodsA search protocol was defined according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles were evaluated using parameters of interest including: year and country of publication, experimental design, sample size for clinical studies, radiation oncology topic, reported outcomes, and implementation barriers or safety concerns.ResultsOne hundred and three publications from 2012 to 2019 met inclusion criteria. The most commonly described 3D printing applications included quality assurance phantoms (26%), brachytherapy applicators (20%), bolus (17%), preclinical animal irradiation (10%), compensators (7%), and immobilization devices (5%). Most studies were preclinical feasibility studies (63%), with few clinical investigations such as case reports or series (13%) or cohort studies (11%). The most common applications evaluated within clinical settings included brachytherapy applicators (44%) and bolus (28%). Sample sizes for clinical investigations were small (median 10, range 1–42). A minority of articles described basic or translational research (11%) and workflow or cost evaluation studies (3%). The number of articles increased over time (P < 0.0001). While outcomes were heterogeneous, most studies reported successful implementation of accurate and cost‐effective 3D printing methods.ConclusionsThree‐dimensional printing is rapidly growing in radiation oncology and has been implemented effectively in a diverse array of applications. Although the number of 3D printing publications has steadily risen, the majority of current reports are preclinical in nature and the few clinical studies that do exist report on small sample sizes. Further dissemination of ongoing investigations describing the clinical application of developed 3D printing technologies in larger cohorts is warranted.

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics in vivo at High Temporal Resolution using χCRAC.

The interaction between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their RNA substrates exhibits fluidity and complexity. Within its lifespan, a single RNA can be bound by many different RBPs that will regulate its production, stability, activity, and degradation. As such, much has been done to understand the dynamics that exist between these two types of molecules. A particularly important breakthrough came with the emergence of 'cross-linking and immunoprecipitation' (CLIP). This technique allowed stringent investigation into which RNAs are bound by a particular RBP. In short, the protein of interest is UV cross-linked to its RNA substrates in vivo, purified under highly stringent conditions, and then the RNAs covalently cross-linked to the protein are converted into cDNA libraries and sequenced. Since its conception, many derivative techniques have been developed in order to make CLIP amenable to particular fields of study. However, cross-linking using ultraviolet light is notoriously inefficient. This results in extended exposure times that make the temporal study of RBP-RNA interactions impossible. To overcome this issue, we recently designed and built much-improved UV irradiation and cell harvesting devices. Using these new tools, we developed a protocol for time-resolved analyses of RBP-RNA interactions in living cells at high temporal resolution: Kinetic CRoss-linking and Analysis of cDNAs (χCRAC). We recently used this technique to study the role of yeast RBPs in nutrient stress adaptation. This manuscript provides a detailed overview of the χCRAC method and presents recent results obtained with the Nrd1 RBP.

Monte Carlo Simulation of an Electron Irradiation Device for Medical Application of an Electron Linear Accelerator

A uniform electron field is required for medical applications of electron linear accelerators (LINACs). Electron irradiation devices, including scattering foils and applicators for generating uniform electron fields, are widely used in medical LINACs. In this research, an electron scattering device consisting of scattering foils and applicators was designed for clinical application of a 9-MeV electron LINAC planned at the Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to calculate the depth dose and the beam profile curves in a water phantom by using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code.

АНАЛИЗ ЯДЕРНОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПРИ ОБРАЩЕНИИ С ОТРАБОТАВШИМ ТОПЛИВОМ РЕАКТОРА МИР

The main results of neutron and physical parameters calculations, which are important for nuclear safety during storage and transportation of irradiated working and loop fuel assemblies and irradiation devices of the MIR reactor, as well as working in radiation-protective research cameras for the assembling and disassembling of irradiation devices, are introduced in this report. The analysis was made in full accordance with requirements of the state normative research nuclear facilities nuclear safety documents. The results of effective neutron reproduction coefficient calculations received by the MCU-RFFI/A program were used for the analysis. The various emergency situations associated with personnel errors, falling of products during their transportation, pouring out the contents of covers, violation of the products placement order, changing in inhibitor (in particular water) density were considered during the analysis. The full unloading of the reactor core in case of an accident was also considered. As a result of the neutron and physical calculations analysis, safety of spent nuclear fuel storage, at all stages of its transportation, as well as working in radiation- protective research cameras subject to established restrictions was proved. Restrictions for the number of products and the geometry of their placement in the cooling pool, transport corridor, and radiation - protective cameras were set.

Irradiation System for a City Farm Automated Multi-Layer Phytoinstallation

Contemporary light engineering is ready to make its contribution in the development of new, automated and (in the nearest future) fully computerised production facilities based on application of artificial irradiation for technological purposes. It is referred to cultivation of plants using the photo-culture technology in multi-layer phytoinstallations with spectral characteristics and level of irradiation taking the species and tasks of cultivation into account. The major type of plants for these installations is lettuce cultures, consumption of which in Russia significantly lags behind the recommended values, especially during winter. The article reviews major specifications of LED-based irradiation devices and lighting systems based on them, used for cultivation of lettuce in automated multi-layer phytoinstallations in photo-culture environment. An example of such phytonstallations is the automatic research installation developed in S.I. Vavilov VNISI, which has no parallel in Russia. A principal distinction of the irradiation devices used in this installation is application of multi-component LED compositions based on white and colour elements allowing us to vary spectral characteristics in the PAR region within a wide range. Generally, the installation is notable for contemporary hardware and availability of computer control.

Photobiomodulation in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry: Part 1.

(Part 2 of this article can be located at www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/photob.2019.4731.) Objective: Finding evidence-based treatment strategies for low-level light therapy (LLLT) and the correct incorporation of these treatment methods in the clinical practice of periodontics. Background: Photobiomodulation has been shown to have biostimulatory, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can be beneficial in periodontal and dental implant treatment procedures. Methods: In this review we have addressed some clinical questions regarding the potential clinical application of low-level light irradiation and its photobiomodulatory effects in periodontology and implantology. The literature was searched for in vivo (animal or clinical) articles written in English in four electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library until April 2019. Only studies with low irradiation doses without any thermal effects used only for their photobiomodulatory purposes were included. Results: We were able to find relevant studies for all of our questions, and positive effects for the application of light therapy were reported in most of the studies. However, there is still great deal of heterogeneity in terms of study designs and most importantly in light irradiation devices and the parameters used. Owing to this issue it was not possible to reach specific evidence-based irradiation protocols for the questions addressed in this review. Conclusions: Based on our search results, an obvious positive effect of LLLT on stimulation of healing of periodontal soft and hard tissues and reduction of inflammation can be seen. Future well-designed randomized control studies with the same irradiation settings and systematic reviews evaluating the studies found on the questions mentioned are necessary to reach evidence-based recommendations.

Photobiomodulation in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry: Part 2.

(Part 1 of this article can be located at www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/photob.2019.4710.) Objective: Finding evidence-based treatment strategies for low-level light therapy and the correct incorporation of these treatment methods in the clinical practice of periodontics. Background: Photobiomodulation has been shown to have biostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects that can be beneficial in periodontal and dental implant treatment procedures. Methods: In this review, we have addressed some clinical questions regarding the potential clinical application of low-level light irradiation and its photobobiomodulatory effects in periodontology and implantology. The literature was searched for in vivo (animal or clinical) articles written in English in four electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library until April 2019. Only studies with low irradiation doses without any thermal effects used only for their photobiomodulatory purposes were included. Results: We were able to find relevant studies for all of our questions, and positive effects for the application of light therapy were reported in most of the studies. However, there is still a great deal of heterogeneity in terms of study designs and most importantly in light irradiation devices and the parameters used. Due to this issue, it was not possible to reach specific evidence-based irradiation protocols for the questions addressed in this review. Conclusions: Based on our search results, an obvious positive effect of low-level light therapy on stimulation of healing of periodontal soft and hard tissues and reduction of inflammation can be seen. Future well-designed randomized control studies with the same irradiation settings and systematic reviews evaluating the studies found on the questions mentioned are necessary to reach evidence-based recommendations.

3D Printing in Radiation Oncology: A Systematic Review of the Literature

3D printing is an adaptable technology that is playing an increasing role in medical practice and innovation.Although 3D printing is gaining recognition as an effective clinical and educational tool in procedurally-intensive specialties, it has a nascent role in radiation oncology. The goal of this investigation, therefore, is to clarify the extent to which 3D printing applications are currently being used in radiation oncology through a systematic review of the literature. A search protocol was defined according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, using the Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes (PICO) framework for identification of eligible studies. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed with combinations of predetermined Medical Subject Headings and generic search terms. Any study using 3D printing technology in relation to the delivery or study of radiotherapy was included. In-press articles from radiation oncology and medical physics journals were searched. Article references were examined for identification of any remaining publications. Included articles were evaluated using parameters of interest including: year/country of publication, experimental design, sample size for clinical studies, radiation oncology topic, reported outcomes, and implementation barriers or safety concerns. 103 publications met inclusion criteria. The most commonly described 3D printing applications included quality assurance phantoms (26%), brachytherapy applicators (20%), bolus (17%), preclinical animal irradiation (10%), compensators (7%), and immobilization devices (5%). Most studies were pre-clinical feasibility studies (63%), with few clinical investigations such as case reports or series (13%) or cohort studies (11%). The most common applications evaluated in clinical studies included brachytherapy applicators (42%) and bolus (27%). Furthermore, sample sizes for clinical investigations were small (median 10, range 1-42). A minority of articles described basic or translational research (11%) and workflow or cost evaluation studies (3%). Number of articles increased yearly, as follows (P<0.0001): 2012 (1%), 2013 (0), 2014 (6%), 2015 (14%), 2016 (18%), 2017 (27%), 2018 (31%). While outcomes were varied, the majority of studies reported successful implementation of accurate and cost-effective 3D printing methods. 3D printing is rapidly growing in radiation oncology and has been implemented effectively in a diverse array of applications. Although the number of 3D printing publications has steadily risen, the majority of current reports are pre-clinical in nature and the few clinical studies that do exist report on small sample sizes. Further investigation describing the clinical application and evaluation of developed 3D printing technologies in larger cohorts is warranted.

ОБЛУЧАТЕЛЬНОЕ УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ БЫСТРОГО РЕАКТОРА БОЛЬШОЙ МОЩНОСТИ

To address the growing demand for isotopes, it is planned to use irradiation devices in high-power fast sodium reactors. With the help of this type of irradiation devices, mass production of the necessary isotopes is assumed. The designs of irradiation devices for operating time of cobalt-60 isotope in BN reactors are presented. A new version of the irradiation device for use in a high-power sodium fast reactor is proposed. The comparison of different variants of irradiation devices according to the obtained specific activity is given. The new design of the irradiation device combines the retarder units and the steel protection developed for the BN-600 in a single assembly. It allows to achieve cobalt activity of 150 Ci/g for a campaign of fuel (5 years). The results of a study of the azimuthal and radial distribution of the cobalt-60 formation speed to ensure the effective production of the product in a high-power reactor are presented. According to the results of the azimuthal distribution of the neutron capture rate, there is an uneven propagation in the horizontal section of the irradiation device. The maximum capture rate is shifted to the periphery of the irradiation device facing the center of the core. The obtained spatial distribution of the capture rate indicates the possibility of further work to create a more efficient design of the irradiation device for the conditions of a large fast reactor.

Photothermal effect by 808-nm laser irradiation of melanin: a proof-of-concept study of photothermal therapy using B16-F10 melanotic melanoma growing in BALB/c mice.

The photothermal effect is undergoing great interest due to advances in new photosensitizing materials and better-suited light sources, but studies are frequently hampered by the need to employ exogenous photothermal agents and expensive irradiation devices. Here we present a simple strategy based on direct NIR irradiation of the melanin pigment with a commercial 808-nm laser pointer. Proof-of-concept studies showed efficient photothermal effects on melanin in vitro and in vivo. After NIR irradiation, BALB/c mice bearing B16-F10 melanotic melanoma tumors revealed severe histopathological damage and massive necrosis in melanin-containing tumor tissue, while surrounding healthy tissues showed no damage. Therefore, the feasibility of this approach may allow implementing direct procedures for photothermal therapy of pigmented tumors.

Description and thermal simulation of the DIAMINO irradiation experiment of transmutation fuel in the OSIRIS reactor

French GENIV sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) system could include Americium (Am) recycling in the radial fertile blankets located in the outer core regions. An issue related to this option is the lack of knowledge regarding the in-pile behaviour of the Am-bearing blanket (AmBB). The DIAMINO separate-effect experiment was irradiated in the OSIRIS Material Test Reactor (MTR) with the goal of studying AmBB gaseous release and swelling as a function of temperature, AmBB microstructure and gas production rate.A brief description of the experiment is first provided, in terms of objectives and planning. The innovative design developed for the DIAMINO experiment is described in details. The DIAMINO irradiation time history is then summarized and the first results of non-destructive post-irradiation examinations are given.The LICOS fuel design code of the PLEIADES platform was used for the thermo-mechanical modelling of the DIAMINO experiment. The Pleiades platform, co-developed by CEA and its industrial partners EDF and FRAMATOME, gathers several fuel performance codes, each generally dedicated to the fuel element of a particular nuclear system. For its part, the LICOS code allows performing studies on innovative fuel elements or on the design of irradiation devices for instance. The thermo-mechanical modelling of the DIAMINO experiment device using the LICOS code is detailed in the paper together with the validation of the computations on the basis of some experimental temperature measurements performed on an in-pile mock-up of the experiment. The use of the simulation tool for the monitoring of the AmBB sample temperature under irradiation and for the post-irradiation calculations is explained and illustrated through some examples.