Characterisation of neutron field in large graphite insertion in special core of the LR-0 Reactor

TL;DR

This study characterizes the neutron field in a large graphite insertion within the LR-0 reactor's special core, comparing experimental neutron spectra and flux distribution with calculations to validate neutron modeling in graphite moderator regions.

Contribution

It provides experimental validation of neutron spectra and flux distribution in a large graphite moderator, supporting neutron modeling accuracy in reactor design.

Findings

Satisfactory agreement between measured and calculated flux distribution below moderator level.

Experimental neutron spectra shape aligns well with theoretical predictions.

Validates the use of graphite in neutron shaping experiments.

Abstract

Graphite is important reactor material used as a neutron moderator in various reactor designs. It is not only structural material used in previous reactors design but even material to which attention is focused due to the very high-temperature reactor design, which uses graphite as moderator and reflector. Due to the well-characterised cross-section of graphite, it is also a good candidate for neutron shaping experiments. In this kind of experiment, the neutron spectra are modified to the unconventional shape of neutron spectra which can be used to validate cross-section. This paper deals with validation of neutron field in graphite block surrounded by driver core arranged in large special core in LR-0 reactor. The experimentally determined shape of neutron spectra and spatial distribution of neutron flux is compared with the calculation. It is worth noting that the agreement for flux distribution is satisfactory in regions below the moderator level.