Time sequence method for prompt neutron decay constant determination. (15th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wen, Jie; Li, Meng; Gao, Hui; Jiang, Yong; Zhou, Haojun; Song, Lingli; Wang, Qiang; Yin, Yanpeng; Xie, Qilin
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 160(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-15
• Subjects: Time sequence -- Prompt neutron decay constant -- Fast critical assembly -- Rossi-α -- Delayed critical; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: A neutron time sequence acquisition system was developed. Both neutron & gamma was used to analyze the prompt neutron decay constant. The A/C ratio in the measurement was explored. The timing precision brought by TOF of neutrons was discussed. Abstract: Aiming at measuring the prompt neutron decay constant α of fast critical assemblies, Rossi-α method was improved by means of the acquisition of neutron and gamma time sequence. The application of the time sequence method in delayed critical & subcritical experiments at a fast critical assembly was here in described, focus in particular on the gamma analysis and the exploration of A/C ratio which directly affects the measurement precision of α. The reliability of the time sequence method is proved by the agreement of the α values obtained based on neutron and gamma. The A/C ratio based on neutron and gamma shows an obvious difference and the corresponding conclusion guides to a larger A/C ratio. The time sequence method shows advantages of higher experimental efficiency and flexible data analysis which contribute to more accurate experimental result.