Design and validation of shielding for a neutron generator using MCNP6

IF 2.6 3区工程技术 Q1 NUCLEAR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Nuclear Engineering and Technology Pub Date : 2025-04-14 DOI:10.1016/j.net.2025.103634

Jae Chang Kim, Junehyung Lee Bernaski, Sehwan Seol, Ju Hyung Kim, Yong Kyun Kim

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Abstract

This study presents the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a shielding facility for the DD-108 neutron generator installed for active neutron interrogation applications such as differential die-away analysis. The shielding structure was optimized using MCNP6 simulations to meet regulatory dose limits of 20 mSv/y for radiation workers and 1 mSv/y for the general public. The regulatory dose limits were achieved by utilizing the existing concrete and lead structures and designing additional high density polyethylene shielding based on neutron and photon dose assessments. Various effective dose conversion coefficients were considered to ensure a conservative evaluation. The facility was constructed, and calibrated dosimeter measurements confirmed that neutron and photon doses were up to 50 % and 76 % lower than simulation predictions. These results reflect the conservative assumptions applied in the modeling, ensuring robust safety margins. The shielding facility met all licensing requirements, leading to the first regulatory approval of a DD-108 neutron generator in South Korea. This validation demonstrates the practicality of MCNP6-based shielding design and provides valuable insights for future neutron generator shielding applications.

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基于MCNP6的中子发生器屏蔽设计与验证

本研究介绍了用于主动中子探测应用（如微分渐死分析）的DD-108中子发生器屏蔽装置的设计、制造和实验验证。利用MCNP6模拟优化了屏蔽结构，以满足辐射工作人员20 mSv/y和一般公众1 mSv/y的监管剂量限值。通过利用现有的混凝土和铅结构，并根据中子和光子剂量评估设计额外的高密度聚乙烯屏蔽，达到了监管剂量限值。考虑了各种有效剂量转换系数以确保保守评估。该设施建成后，经过校准的剂量计测量证实，中子和光子剂量比模拟预测低50%和76%。这些结果反映了在建模中应用的保守假设，确保了稳健的安全边际。该屏蔽设施符合所有许可要求，导致韩国首个监管部门批准了DD-108中子发生器。该验证验证了基于mcnp6的屏蔽设计的实用性，并为未来中子发生器屏蔽应用提供了有价值的见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Nuclear Engineering and Technology 工程技术-核科学技术

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

7.40%

发文量

431

审稿时长

3.5 months

期刊介绍： Nuclear Engineering and Technology (NET), an international journal of the Korean Nuclear Society (KNS), publishes peer-reviewed papers on original research, ideas and developments in all areas of the field of nuclear science and technology. NET bimonthly publishes original articles, reviews, and technical notes. The journal is listed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) of Thomson Reuters. NET covers all fields for peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and radiation as follows: 1) Reactor Physics 2) Thermal Hydraulics 3) Nuclear Safety 4) Nuclear I&C 5) Nuclear Physics, Fusion, and Laser Technology 6) Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Radioactive Waste Management 7) Nuclear Fuel and Reactor Materials 8) Radiation Application 9) Radiation Protection 10) Nuclear Structural Analysis and Plant Management & Maintenance 11) Nuclear Policy, Economics, and Human Resource Development