Analysis of Pu Isotopes in Melted Fuel by Neutron Resonance Transmission: Examination by Linear Absorption Model

作者：Kitatani F^*; Harada H; Takamine J; Kureta M; Seya M

来源：Nuclear Data Sheets, 2014, 118: 505-509.

DOI：10.1016/j.nds.2014.04.119

We have been studying the feasibility of neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) for quantifying nuclear materials (Pu/U isotopes) in particle-like debris of melted fuel for nuclear material accountability and safeguards. The achievable measurement accuracy of NRTA was examined using a linear absorption model for the sample which contain substances other than nuclear fuel materials, such as boron and iron. The impurities (boron and iron etc.) in melted fuel are from the support structure and criticality control materials of the reactor core, and should be included to study the feasibility of NRTA for actual application. Neutron transmission spectra were calculated using the total neutron cross-sections in JENDL-4.0. The transmission spectra together with their uncertainties were evaluated. The study showed quantitatively that the statistical uncertainty in the determination of atomic number density of each isotope depends on the impurity density in the sample. The optimal thickness of the sample was determined for various impurity densities.

• 出版日期2014-4