Conclusions
The model developed for describing the response of neutron-coincidence setups taking into account the real leakage-neutron multiplicity distribution (RMD approximation) is effective for analyzing samples of metallic plutonium with different isotopic composition, plutonium dioxide, and composites of mixed uranium — plutonium fuel in the form of powder and granules. The only inconvenience of this model, just as the BEH approximation, is that computational or experimental estimates of the multiplication effect must be obtained.
The quantitiesK m,S *s , andS *in can be calculated on personal computers. For IBM-PS/2 computers one calculation requires 5 min.
In the future we intend to extend the approach developed in this paper to setups employing analysis of multiple neutron coincidences (triple, and so on). Then there is evidently no need to estimate the multiplication effect in advance.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
V. V. Frolov, Nuclear-Physical Methods for Monitoring Fissioning Materials [in Russian], Atomizdat, Moscow (1989).
R. Sher and S. Undermyer, "The detection of fissionable materials by nondestructive means," American Nuclear Society (1980).
"Progress in neutron coincidence counting techniques," Report of Advisory Group Meeting, October 7–11, 1985, IAEA, Vienna, STR-206.
J. Swensen, P. Collinsworth, and M. Krick, "Shift-register coincidence electronics system for thermal neutron counters," Nucl. Instrum. Methods,176, No. 3, 555–566 (1980).
N. Ensslin, J. Stewart, and J. Sapir, "Self-multiplication correction factors for neutron coincidence counting," Nucl. Mater. Manag.,8, 60 (1979).
H. Menlove and J. Swansen, "A high-performance neutron time correlation counter," Nucl. Techn.,71, 497–505 (1985).
J. Stewart, R. Ferran, S. Simmonds, and H. Menlove, "Calibration parameters from Monte Carlo simulations for neutron coincidence assay of MOX fuel elements. A substitute for standards?" in: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Safeguards and Nuclear Material Management, Luxemburg, May 29–July 1, (1989), ESARDA-22, EUR 12193 EN.
H. Menlove and J. Stewart, "A new method of calibration and normalization of neutron detector families," LA-11229-MS (ISPO-287) (1988).
F. Bevacqua, F. Frazzoli, and W. Hage, "Verification of the interpretation models of the neutron autocorrelator with Monte Carlo calculations," in: Proceedings of the ESARDA Symposium on Safeguards and Nuclear Material Management, Liege (1985), pp. 301–305.
G. Bosler, "Analytical techniques to reduce the number of physical standards needed for neutron coincidence counters," LA-8509-MS (ISPO-117) (1986).
V. F. Kositsin and A. E. Konyaev, "Calibration of neutron-neutron coincidence setups for plutonium detection," in: Proceedings of the 3rd All-Union Conference on Neptunium and Plutonium Chemistry [in Russian], November 24–26, 1987, Nauka, Leningrad (1987), p. 43.
Yu. V. Ivanov, S. A. Kozhukhovskaya, A. E. Konyaev, et al., "VÉT 10-5-88 measuring complex for a working standard for units of neutron flux," Izmer. Tekh., No. 12, 44 (1989).
VÉT 6-16-88 working standard for units of spontaneous-fission activity of radio nuclides. Certificate.
A. E. Konyaev and V. F. Kositsyn, "The determination of spontaneously fissioning actinide activity by neutron correlation method," in: Proceedings of the International Conference Actinides-89, September 24–29, 1989, Tashkent, Nauka, Moscow (1989), p. 412.
R. Omohundro and F. Marchetti, "Preliminary report on a prototype coincidence neutron counter for international safeguards and arms control application," US Naval Research Lab, IAEA, Vienna (1969), Panel 14218.
K. Bohnel, "The effect of multiplication on the quantitative determination of spontaneously fissioning isotopes by neutron correlation analysis," Nucl. Sci. Eng.,90, 75–82 (1985).
L. Bondar, "Passive neutron assay," in: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nucl. Mat. Safeguards, November 8–12 (1982), IAEA-SM-260/54, Vienna.
M. Swinhoe, "Multiplication effects in neutron coincidence counting: uncertainties and multiplying reference samples," in: Proceedings of the 7th ESARDA Annual Symposium on Safeguards and Nucl. Mater. Management, May 21–23, 1985, Liege, ESARDA-18, p. 223.
W. Hage, A. Prosdocimi, and V. Vocino, "Multiplication and absorption correction of autocorrelator measurement data," ibid., pp. 307–309.
N. Ensslin, "A simple self-multiplication correction of in-plant use," ibid., p. 233.
W. Hage and D. Cifarrelli, "On factorial moments of the neutron multiplicity distribution of fission cascades," Nucl. Instrum. Methods A,236, 165–177 (1985).
A. A. Androsenko and P. A. Androsenko, "BRAND suite of programs," Preprint FÉI-1486 (1983).
J. Boldeman and M. Hines, "Prompt neutron emission probabilities following spontaneous and thermal neutron fission," Nucl. Sci. Eng.,91, 114–116 (1985).
M. Zucker and N. Holden, "Neutron multiplicity for neutron induced fission of235U,238U and239Pu as a function of neutron energy," in: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nuclear Safeguards Technology, IAEA, Vienna (1986), Vol. 2, pp. 329–347.
Additional information
A. A. Bochvar All-Union Scientific-Research Institute of Standardization in Machine Building. FÉI. Scientific-Research Institute of Nuclear Reactors. Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 76, No. 1, pp. 47–54, January, 1994.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Konyaev, A.E., Kozhukhovskaya, S.A., Androsenko, A.A. et al. Neutron-coincidence determination of plutonium taking into account multiplication and the actual multiplicity of leakage neutrons. At Energy 76, 42–48 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407865
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407865