Modeling, processing, and analysis of neutron flux in the horizontal channel of the critical experimental reactor facility of the WWR-K reactor

Abstract

The article examines the process of modeling and registering neutron flux in the horizontal channel of the critical experimental reactor facility of the WWR-K reactor. The focus is on the use of neutron detectors, such as the SNM-18 and a scintillation detector based on ortho-carborane. The work employed modeling methods using the GEANT4 software package, enabling a detailed study of neutron interactions with various moderators, including polyethylene, boron-containing polyethylene, and configurations without moderators.

The research involved the development and testing of methodologies for registering neutron fluxes in different operating modes of the critical assembly. The use of scintillators with ortho-carborane additives provided high sensitivity, allowing for accurate neutron flux registration. Furthermore, the data obtained from modeling and experimental studies were processed using modern analysis tools such as ROOT.

The results contribute to the advancement of technologies in neutron measurements, nuclear physics, and radiation safety. These approaches can be applied to improve neutron detection methods, which are important for both scientific research and industrial applications.