The study of neutron spectra in water bath from Pb target irradiated by 250MeV/u protons

TL;DR

This study investigates neutron spectra produced by 250 MeV protons irradiating a lead target surrounded by water, combining experimental measurements with Monte Carlo simulations to analyze neutron moderation and validate computational models.

Contribution

It provides experimental neutron spectra data and compares it with MCNPX simulations, enhancing understanding of neutron production and moderation in spallation sources.

Findings

Measured neutron flux at various energies using resonance detectors.

Validated MCNPX code against experimental data.

Provided epithermal neutron spectra in water bath.

Abstract

The spallation neutrons were produced by the irradiation of Pb with 250 MeV protons. The Pb target was surrounded by water which was used to slow down the emitted neutrons. The moderated neutrons in the water bath were measured by using the resonance detectors of Au, Mn and In with Cd cover. According to the measured activities of the foils, the neutron flux at different resonance energy were deduced and the epithermal neutron spectra were proposed. Corresponding results calculated with the Monte Carlo code MCNPX were compared with the experimental data to check the validity of the code.