论文标题
关于反射裂变组件的Feynman-Alpha方法
On the Feynman-alpha Method for Reflected Fissile Assemblies
论文作者
论文摘要
Feynman-Alpha方法是一种中子噪声技术,用于估计裂变组件的迅速中子时期。该方法和数量具有广泛的兴趣,包括在核问题安全,保障措施和不扩散以及库存管理等应用中;提示中子周期也可用于推断$ k_ \ text {eff} $乘法系数。 Feynman-Alpha方法是基于随时间相关的中子检测,这些检测因乘法而偏离泊松随机变量。传统上,此类测量值被诊断为单区域动力学,但是当反映裂变组装时,需要两区模型。本文介绍了基于Rossi-Alpha方程的双重整合,对两区点动力学方程的推导,发展了测量不确定性的新型传播,并验证了理论。通过通过各种铜的武器级prutonium的有机闪烁体测量值来实现验证,以实现0.83-0.94的$ k_ \ text {eff} $值和5-75 ns的及时期。结果表明,Feynman-Alpha测量应使用两区模型而不是单区模型。简化的单区模型在及时中子周期的估计中偏离了经过验证的两个区域模型,高达10 \%,而两区模型则减少了少量反射器的单区模型。将迅速中子时期的Feynman-Alpha估计与Rossi-Alpha方法的估计值进行了比较。比较结果表明,Feynman-Alpha方法比Rossi-Alpha方法更精确,对于$ k_ \ text {eff} <0.92 $,更准确,而rossi-alpha方法通常更准确地用于更高的乘法。
The Feynman-alpha method is a neutron noise technique that is used to estimate the prompt neutron period of fissile assemblies. The method and quantity are of widespread interest including in applications such as nuclear criticality safety, safeguards and nonproliferation, and stockpile stewardship; the prompt neutron period may also be used to infer the $k_\text{eff}$ multiplication factor. The Feynman-alpha method is predicated on time-correlated neutron detections that deviate from a Poisson random variable due to multiplication. Traditionally, such measurements are diagnosed with one-region point kinetics, but two-region models are required when the fissile assembly is reflected. This paper presents a derivation of the two-region point kinetics Feynman-alpha equations based on a double integration of the Rossi-alpha equations, develops novel propagation of measurement uncertainty, and validates the theory. Validation is achieved with organic scintillator measurements of weapons-grade plutonium reflected by various amounts of copper to achieve $k_\text{eff}$ values of 0.83-0.94 and prompt periods of 5-75 ns. The results demonstrate that Feynman-alpha measurements should use the two-region model instead of the one-region model. The simplified one-region model deviates from the validated two-region models by as much as 10\% in the estimate of the prompt neutron period, and the two-region model reduces to the one-region model for small amounts of reflector. The Feynman-alpha estimates of the prompt neutron period are compared to those of the Rossi-alpha approach. The comparative results demonstrate that the Feynman-alpha method is more precise than the Rossi-alpha method and more accurate for $k_\text{eff}<0.92$, whereas the Rossi-alpha method is generally more accurate for higher multiplications.