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A code to simulate nuclear reactor inventories and associated gamma-ray spectra
A J Cresswell1, J D Allyson, D C Sanderson
1Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, Rankine Avenue, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QF, UK. a.cresswell@surrc.gla.ac.uk
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|May 31, 2001
Summary
A new computer code simulates gamma-ray spectra from short-lived fission products for airborne gamma spectrometry (AGS). This tool aids in developing and evaluating spectral analysis methods for accident scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Spectrometry
- Computational Science
Background:
- Airborne gamma spectrometry (AGS) is crucial for monitoring fission products.
- Simulating complex gamma-ray spectra from short-lived isotopes presents computational challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a computer code for simulating gamma-ray spectra from short-lived fission products relevant to AGS.
- To assess the code's utility in analyzing accident scenarios and improving spectral analysis techniques.
Main Methods:
- Developed a code employing numerical methods for fission product production and decay simulation.
- Utilized Monte Carlo techniques to generate spectra for sodium iodide (NaI) detectors.
- Introduced a novel Monte Carlo code with a virtual detector array to optimize airborne geometry simulations.
Main Results:
- Simulated spectra for laboratory geometries showed good agreement with experimental data.
- Generated spectra for airborne configurations and extended irradiation periods.
- Demonstrated the code's capability to produce AGS spectra applicable to accident scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The developed code accurately simulates gamma-ray spectra from short-lived fission products for AGS.
- The simulation tool is valuable for the development and validation of spectral analysis methods in nuclear accident assessments.