3D computational and experimental radiation transport assessments of Pu-Be sources and graded moderators for parcel screening

Gabriel Ghita; Glenn Sjoden; James Baciak; Nancy Huang

doi:10.1117/12.666928

24 May 2006 3D computational and experimental radiation transport assessments of Pu-Be sources and graded moderators for parcel screening

Gabriel Ghita, Glenn Sjoden, James Baciak, Nancy Huang

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6213, Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies; 62130I (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.666928
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

The Florida Institute for Nuclear Detection and Security (FINDS) is currently working on the design and evaluation of a prototype neutron detector array that may be used for parcel screening systems and homeland security applications. In order to maximize neutron detector response over a wide spectrum of energies, moderator materials of different compositions and amounts are required, and can be optimized through 3-D discrete ordinates and Monte Carlo model simulations verified through measurement. Pu-Be sources can be used as didactic source materials to augment the design, optimization, and construction of detector arrays with proper characterization via transport analysis. To perform the assessments of the Pu-Be Source Capsule, 3-D radiation transport computations are used, including Monte Carlo (MCNP5) and deterministic (PENTRAN) methodologies. In establishing source geometry, we based our model on available source schematic data. Because both the MCNP5 and PENTRAN codes begin with source neutrons, exothermic (α,n) reactions are modeled using the SCALE5 code from ORNL to define the energy spectrum and the decay of the source. We combined our computational results with experimental data to fully validate our computational schemes, tools and models. Results from our computational models will then be used with experiment to generate a mosaic of the radiation spectrum. Finally, we discuss follow-up studies that highlight response optimization efforts in designing, building, and testing an array of detectors with varying moderators/thicknesses tagged to specific responses predicted using 3-D radiation transport models to augment special nuclear materials detection.

Citation Download Citation

Gabriel Ghita, Glenn Sjoden, James Baciak, and Nancy Huang "3D computational and experimental radiation transport assessments of Pu-Be sources and graded moderators for parcel screening", Proc. SPIE 6213, Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies, 62130I (24 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.666928

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