Monte-Carlo simulations of a neutron source based on a linear electron accelerator

• Autorzy: Wasilewski Adam , Wronka Sławomir

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.2478/nuka-2025-0001

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Neutron beams are employed in a multitude of applications, including neutron activation analysis, neutron radiography and tomography, nuclear waste assays, reactor start-up sources, studies of material response, geological analysis, calibration standards and cancer therapy. The global demand for access to neutron beams is increasing, necessitating the development of relatively simple, efficient and easy-to-use neutron sources to address the more complex challenges of scientific research and industrial application. One relatively readily available method is to use a linear electron accelerator to produce beams of fast neutrons. The neutron generator, comprising of an electron linear accelerator and a tungsten X-ray converter, is capable of producing a maximum neutron flux of 1.53·1010 n/s to 1.45·1013 n/s at electron energies of 10–50 MeV, with an average electron beam current of 120 miA, corresponding to an intensity of 7.5·1014 e/s. The results of the neutron generator modelling conducted with the FLUKA Monte-Carlo code are presented in this article for an equivalent incident beam power of 1.2–6.0 kW. The optimal tungsten converter thickness is proposed as a means of achieving the maximum neutron flux in all directions.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

electron linear accelerator; FLUKA; Monte Carlo calculations; Neutron generation; X-ray converter

• Wydawca: Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology
• Czasopismo: Nukleonika
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: Vol. 70, No. 1
• Strony: 3--10
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 25 poz., rys.

Twórcy

autor

Wasilewski Adam

• National Centre for Nuclear Research Andrzeja Sołtana St. 7, 05-400 Otwock-Świerk, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2109-5833

autor

Wronka Sławomir

• National Centre for Nuclear Research Andrzeja Sołtana St. 7, 05-400 Otwock-Świerk, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3277-138X

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Uwagi

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025).