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Properties of the Feynman-alpha method applied to accelerator-driven subcritical systems
S Taczanowski1, G Domanska, M Kopec
1Faculty of Physics and Nuclear Techniques, AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow 30 059, Poland. taczanowski@novell.ftj.agh.edu.pl
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|December 31, 2005
Summary
This Monte Carlo study explored the Feynman method for simulating nuclear multiplication chains. Detector dead time significantly impacts results, while surrounding zone properties and neutron field harmonics have minimal effect.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Computational Physics
Background:
- The Feynman method is a technique used in nuclear physics to model neutron multiplication chains.
- Understanding time-dependent phenomena is crucial for accurate reactor simulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sensitivity of the Feynman method to various parameters in simulating neutron multiplication chains.
- To assess the impact of detector characteristics and neutron source properties on simulation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A Monte Carlo simulation using a simplified code was developed.
- The simulation focused on time-dependent aspects of the multiplication chain.
- Key parameters such as detector efficiency, dead time, and neutron multiplicities were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The Feynman method's accuracy is highly sensitive to detector dead time.
- Properties of zones surrounding the reactor core showed minimal influence on the simulation.
- Harmonics in the neutron field and spallation neutron dispersion had a less pronounced effect.
Conclusions:
- Detector dead time is a critical parameter that must be carefully considered when using the Feynman method.
- The Feynman method, when focused on time-dependent phenomena, can provide valuable insights into nuclear chain reactions, with robustness against certain external factors.