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Upgrade and Simulation of the Subcritical Assembly at Missouri University of Science and Technology
Nuclear Technology
  • Lucas P. Tucker
  • Shoaib Usman, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Ayodeji Babatunde Alajo, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

The Missouri University of Science and Technology Subcritical Assembly has been brought back into service and upgraded with a new neutron detection system and Internet accessibility. Before the upgrade, neutron counting was possible in only one location. Using a movable detection system housed in acrylic tubes, measurements can now be taken in any empty fuel location and at any height within the tube, making three-dimensional flux mapping possible. By connecting the new detection system to a Canberra Lynx Digital Signal Analyzer, remote users can have limited data-collecting capabilities. To further enhance the potential of the facility, a Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code (MCNP) model of the subcritical assembly was created and validated by comparing its simulated predictions to experiments conducted at the facility. An approach to the criticality experiment using the 1/M approximation showed that the MCNP model accurately predicts keff if the detectors are placed between 27 and 36 cm from the neutron source. The results of an axial flux measurement experiment taken 20.3 cm from the neutron source differed from the MCNP-simulated results by an average of 12%. Finally, the validated MCNP model was used to show the effect of removing the facility's fixed detector tube and redistributing its fuel. MCNP simulation predicts that the new configuration would increase the multiplication factor from 0.73481 ± 0.00008 to 0.76844 ± 0.00004.

Department(s)
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Keywords and Phrases
  • Internet,
  • Neutron detectors,
  • Neutron sources,
  • Neutrons,
  • 3He neutron detector,
  • MCNP simulations,
  • Monte carlo n particles,
  • Multiplication factor,
  • Neutron detection system,
  • Science and Technology,
  • Simulated results,
  • Subcritical assembly,
  • Engineering education,
  • Internet accessible
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2016 American Nuclear Society (ANS), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
4-1-2016
Publication Date
01 Apr 2016
Disciplines
Citation Information
Lucas P. Tucker, Shoaib Usman and Ayodeji Babatunde Alajo. "Upgrade and Simulation of the Subcritical Assembly at Missouri University of Science and Technology" Nuclear Technology Vol. 194 Iss. 1 (2016) p. 97 - 110 ISSN: 0029-5450; 1943-7471
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shoaib-usman/161/