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Analysis of alpha induced secondary proton production in natNi-reactor structural material
Swapna Balakrishnan1, M M Musthafa1, Midhun C V1
1Department of Physics, University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
Nickel is a crucial structural material in nuclear reactors due to its excellent thermal properties and corrosion resistance. In the reactor environment, high-energy alpha particles are produced and causing secondary interactions within the structural materials, leading to the formation of hydrogen gas within the structural material. This study explores the extent of hydrogen production due to alpha-induced reactions on natural nickel in the energy range of reactor interest. Experimental measurements of the natNi(α, xp)61Cu cross-section were conducted using the stack foil activation method, providing new data for reactor gas formation estimation. Reactor material selection and construction rely on theoretical simulations using codes, so the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of these codes are important. Theoretical predictions generated using TALYS 1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 showed noticeable deviations from the experimental data, even after parameter optimization. Incorporating beta-decay channels in the EMPIRE-3.2.3 code improved the accuracy of gas formation predictions. The results are vital for evaluating reactor safety.
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