Simulated Performance of the Micro-Pocket Fission Detector in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical Facility
The Micro-Pocket Fission Detector (MPFD) is a small-form–factor real-time fission chamber. MPFD performance has been simulated in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical Facility (ATRC), located at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Here, the neutron and gamma-ray flux profiles and magnitudes were simulated using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) in the near-core B-8 irradiation position. These simulations were performed at 69 discrete axial locations inside the B-8 position for three separate orientations of the nearby hafnium outer shim control cylinders and at a power level of 700 Wth. The resulting neutron and gamma-ray flux values were used to determine the MPFD response for various fissile masses and detector gas pressures. The optimal gas-operating pressure was determined to be between 30 and 60 psig. The required fissile-layer mass was determined to be between 1–2 µg of 235U. Additionally, the gamma-ray to fission-fragment interaction rate was determined to be 4.42 × 10-3 with average energy deposition for gamma rays and fission fragments in 30 psig argon gas to be 1 keV and 9.5 MeV, respectively.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1898368
- Report Number(s):
- INL/JOU-21-61298-Rev000; TRN: US2310882
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Science and Engineering, Vol. 195, Issue 10; ISSN 0029-5639
- Publisher:
- Taylor & FrancisCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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