Study of Neutron Focusing at the Texas Cold Neutron Source. Final Report

Study of Neutron Focusing at the Texas Cold Neutron Source. Final Report
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 13
Release: 1995
Genre:
ISBN:

Funds were received for the first year of a three year DOE Nuclear Engineering Research Grant, ''Study of Neutron Focusing at the Texas Cold Neutron Source'' (FGO2-92ER75711). The purpose of this three year study was to develop a neutron focusing system to be used with the Texas Cold Neutron Source (TCNS) to produce an intense beam of neutrons. A prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) facility was also to be designed, setup, and tested under the three year project. During the first year of the DOE grant, a new procedure was developed and used to design a focusing converging guide consisting of truncated rectangular cone sections. Detailed calculations were performed using a 3-D Monte Carlo code which we wrote to trace neutrons through the curved guide of the TCNS into the proposed converging guide. Using realistic reflectivities for Ni-Ti supermirrors, we obtained gains of 3 to 5 for the neutron flux averaged over an area of 1 x 1 cm.

Study of Neutron Focusing at the Texas Cold Neutron Source

Study of Neutron Focusing at the Texas Cold Neutron Source
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 19
Release: 1993
Genre:
ISBN:

The purpose of this three year study is to develop a neutron focusing system to be used with the Texas Cold Neutron Source (TCNS) to produce an intense beam of neutrons. A prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) facility will also be designed, setup, and tested under this DOE grant. During the first year of the DOE grant, a new procedure was developed and used to design a focusing converging guide consisting of truncated rectangular cone sections. Detailed calculations were performed using a 3-D Monte Carlo code which the authors wrote to trace neutrons through the existing curved guide of the TCNS into the proposed converging guide. Using realistic reflectivities for Ni-Ti supermirrors, they obtained gains of 4 to 5 for the neutron flux averaged over an area of 1 x 1 cm. Two graduate students were supported by the first year of the DOE grant. Both have passed the Nuclear Engineering qualifying examination and have been admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree at The University of Texas at Austin. Their programs of study and dissertation projects have been approved by the appropriate committees.

Handbook of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis

Handbook of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis
Author: G. Molnar
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 448
Release: 2010-02-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0387233598

Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is a unique, non-destructive nuclear analytical method with multi-element capabilities. It is most effective if intense neutron beams (especially cold beams) of nuclear reactors are used to induce the prompt gamma radiation. Based largely on the authors' pioneering research in cold neutron PGAA, the handbook describes the methodology in self-contained manner and reviews recent applications. The library of prompt gamma ray data and spectra for all natural elements is a unique aid to the practitioner. The level is understandable by a broad audience, which facilitates teaching and training. The Handbook of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis is a comprehensive handbook written for those practising the method, wanting to implement it at a reactor facility, or just looking for a powerful non-destructive method of element analysis. The book is also useful for nuclear physics, chemistry and engineering scientists, scholars and graduate students interested in neutron-induced gamma ray spectroscopy and nuclear analytical methods.

Development of a Prompt-gamma, Neutron-activation Analysis Facility at the Texas A & M University Nuclear Science Center

Development of a Prompt-gamma, Neutron-activation Analysis Facility at the Texas A & M University Nuclear Science Center
Author: Otu Effiong Inyang
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2010
Genre:
ISBN:

A prompt-gamma, neutron-activation analysis facility earlier developed at the Nuclear Science Center of Texas A & M University could not be used successfully to analyze geologic samples due to high detection background, low neutron fluence rate and poor detection equipment . A systematic investigation into the performance capability of a prompt-gamma, neutron activation analysis facility was undertaken in this research project. The facility was reconstructed and used to obtain prompt-gamma spectra of chlorine and cadmium and from the spectra, the net peak area counts for the most intense prompt-gamma-ray energies were obtained. A theoretical model was developed which can predict the net peak area counts expected on these prompt-gamma-ray energies using the thermal neutron fluence rate at the sample position, the absolute efficiency of the detector, and the mass and partial gamma-ray production cross section data for the samples. The experimental and predicted results were compared to establish the performance capability of the reconstructed facility. Good agreements between experimental and predicted results were obtained for chlorine, but results from cadmium showed larger discrepancies due to self-shielding effects. Corrections for self-shielding effects were applied to results from cadmium and the experimental and predicted results were also in good agreement. The satisfactory results indicate that it is possible to implement the prompt-gamma, neutron-activation analysis technique at Beam Port #1 of the Nuclear Science Center Reactor. To be able to obtain excellent results from other samples, improvements in shielding materials to attain a lower detection background and a highly efficient detection system should be incorporated.

Database of Prompt Gamma Rays from Slow Neutron Capture for Elemental Analysis

Database of Prompt Gamma Rays from Slow Neutron Capture for Elemental Analysis
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher: IAEA
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2007
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Neutron-capture prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is particularly valuable as a non-destructive nuclear method in the measurement of elements that do not form neutron capture products with delayed gamma ray emissions. Inaccurate and incomplete data have been a significant hindrance in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complicated capture gamma spectra by means of PGAA. This database was produced to improve the quality and quantity of required data in order to make possible the reliable application of PGAA in fields such as materials science, geology, mining, archaeology, environment, food analysis and medicine. The database provides a variety of tables for all natural elements (from H to U) including the following data: isotopic composition, thermal radiative cross-section (total and partial), Westcott g-factors, energy of the gamma rays (prompt and delayed), decay mode, half-life and branching ratios. The CD-ROM included in this publication contains the database, the retrieval system and important electronic documents related to the project.--Publisher's description.