Neutron flux calculation using FFT in a nuclear reactor

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around neutron flux calculations using FFT in the context of nuclear reactors, specifically focusing on neutron detectors and their characteristics. Participants seek to understand how neutrons are detected and the expected relationship between count rate and pulse height for U-235 fission reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance with neutron detectors and the expected graph of count rate versus pulse height for U-235 fission reactions.
  • Another participant indicates they are working on a similar project, suggesting a shared interest in the topic.
  • A question is raised regarding the type of detector being used, whether it is for fission detection or neutron detection, and whether it is for in-core or ex-core applications, highlighting that the application influences the type of detector needed.
  • Some participants mention various types of neutron detectors, including fission detectors, (n,p) scattering detectors, and those using neutron capture with materials like Rhodium or Vanadium.
  • Specific examples of thermal neutron detectors are provided, including boron-10 proportional counters and Helium-3 gas proportional chambers, with details on their operation and pulse height characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the types of detectors and their applications, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist regarding the optimal approach for neutron detection in various reactor contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific applications or effectiveness of different detector types, nor does it clarify the assumptions underlying the expected pulse height versus count rate relationship.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in nuclear reactor instrumentation, neutron detection technologies, and those involved in related research or projects may find this discussion relevant.

praharmitra
Messages
308
Reaction score
1
well, that's the heading of a project i am doing...i need some help on neutron detectors...

how they are dectected and what is the probable graph of count rate vs, pulse height that i might get for a nuclar fission reaction of U-235...

can anyone help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
i am doing similar project
 
Is one doing a fission detector or a neutron detector, and is one doing detections of neutrons ex-reactor, or for a power reactor (in-core or ex-core) detector?

The application determines the type of detector.

For example there are fission detectors that use the fission reaction. There are detectors which use the (n,p) scattering.

And there are detectors that use Rh or V (n-capture).

See - http://www.tpub.com/content/doe/h1013v2/css/h1013v2_76.htm
 
There are several detectors of thermal neutrons. A boron-10 proportional counter uses BF3 gas. See
http://www.orau.org/PTP/collection/proportional counters/bf3info.htm
Helium-3 is also used in gas proportional chambers. When it absorbs a neutron, it fissions to a proton plus tritium, plus about 763 KeV of kinetic energy. In both cases, the pulse height is taken off the anode wire using capacitor coupling, and is independent of the neutron energy. Lithium-6 is also used.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K