On the Feynman-alpha Method for Reflected Fissile Assemblies

TL;DR

This paper advances the Feynman-alpha neutron noise technique by deriving a two-region model for reflected fissile assemblies, validating it experimentally, and demonstrating its improved accuracy over traditional one-region models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel two-region Feynman-alpha model for reflected fissile assemblies, including derivation, uncertainty propagation, and experimental validation.

Findings

Two-region model reduces deviation in prompt neutron period estimates to within 10%.

Feynman-alpha method is more precise than Rossi-alpha for $k_ ext{eff}<0.92$.

Two-region model is necessary for accurate measurements in reflected assemblies.

Abstract

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.