Experimental verification of spallation inventory calculations

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Materials science
• Radiation detection

Background:

• Proton-driven spallation neutron sources are crucial for various scientific applications.
• Accurate characterization of irradiated materials is essential for safety and performance assessment.
• Tungsten targets are used in high-energy physics experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Monte Carlo simulation results with experimental measurements for radionuclide activities in an irradiated tungsten target.
• To validate simulation methods for predicting the inventory of radioactive isotopes in spallation targets.
• To assess the accuracy of nuclear data libraries used in simulations.

Main Methods:

• Performing Monte Carlo simulations to model particle interactions and radionuclide production.
• Conducting gamma-ray spectrometry measurements on a highly irradiated tungsten target.
• Analyzing and comparing the calculated and measured activities of specific radionuclides (e.g., 60Co, 172Lu).

Main Results:

• Monte Carlo calculations showed good agreement with experimental gamma-ray spectrometry measurements.
• The radionuclide inventory, specifically for 60Co and 172Lu, was accurately predicted by simulations.
• The findings validate the use of these simulation techniques for irradiated tungsten targets.

Conclusions:

• Monte Carlo simulations are a reliable tool for predicting radionuclide inventories in spallation targets.
• Experimental validation confirms the accuracy of the applied calculation methods and nuclear data.
• This work contributes to the understanding and safe handling of materials in intense radiation environments.