Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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Neutron activation analysis: Modelling studies to improve the neutron flux of Americium-Beryllium source

  • Didi, Abdessamad (Advanced Technology and Integration System, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science Dhar Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah) ;
  • Dadouch, Ahmed (Advanced Technology and Integration System, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science Dhar Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah) ;
  • Jai, Otman (Laboratory of Radiation and Nuclear Systems, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences) ;
  • Tajmouati, Jaouad (Advanced Technology and Integration System, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science Dhar Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah) ;
  • Bekkouri, Hassane El (Advanced Technology and Integration System, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science Dhar Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah)
  • Received : 2016.09.15
  • Accepted : 2017.02.02
  • Published : 2017.08.25
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Abstract

Americium-beryllium (Am-Be; n, ${\gamma}$) is a neutron emitting source used in various research fields such as chemistry, physics, geology, archaeology, medicine, and environmental monitoring, as well as in the forensic sciences. It is a mobile source of neutron activity (20 Ci), yielding a small thermal neutron flux that is water moderated. The aim of this study is to develop a model to increase the neutron thermal flux of a source such as Am-Be. This study achieved multiple advantageous results: primarily, it will help us perform neutron activation analysis. Next, it will give us the opportunity to produce radio-elements with short half-lives. Am-Be single and multisource (5 sources) experiments were performed within an irradiation facility with a paraffin moderator. The resulting models mainly increase the thermal neutron flux compared to the traditional method with water moderator.

Keywords

References

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