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Using Prompt Neutron Decay Constant Measurements to Obtain Additional Kinetics Information

Journal Article · · EPJ Web of Conferences (Online)
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
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Prompt neutron decay constant measurements are typically used to infer the prompt neutron lifetime in a chain-reacting system, but these measurements include much more information about the kinetics of the system. This work focuses specifically on the Rossi-α method of measuring the prompt neutron decay constant. The Rossi-α system of equations consists of five unknown parameters. With five unknowns and three equations, the system of equations solved by the Rossi-α measurement is under-determined. It has been postulated that a well posed problem can be formulated using independent measurement configurations on a single system. The external source strength, the effective delayed neutron fractions, and Diven’s parameter do not typically change for different configurations of a single experiment. If good detector geometry is chosen, the detector efficiency does not change for multiple measurements of a single experiment using Rossi-α measurements. By making these assumptions, there are only two unique variables. This knowledge can be used to solve for most of the unique parameters using two independent, unique Rossi-α measurements.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
1902300
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 23169793
Journal Information:
EPJ Web of Conferences (Online), Journal Name: EPJ Web of Conferences (Online) Vol. 247; ISSN 2100-014X
Publisher:
EDP SciencesCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Comments on “Neutron Lifetime, Fission Time and Generation Time” journal December 1995
Limits on Subcritical Reactivity Determination using Rossi-α and Related Methods report April 2018

Figures / Tables (5)

Table 1(p. 5)table Table 1
Figure 1(p. 6)figure Figure 1
Table 2(p. 6)table Table 2
Table 3(p. 7)table Table 3
Table 4(p. 7)table Table 4

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Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING
Integral Experiments
Kinetics Parameters
Neutron Noise
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
Prompt Neutron Decay Constants
Rossi-α