Abstract
Neutrons can be used as a tool to study properties of materials and objects. Resonances in neutron induced reaction cross sections are the basis of two analytical methods which have been developed at the EC-JRC-IRMM: Neutron Resonance Capture Analysis (NRCA) and Neutron Resonance Transmission
Analysis (NRTA). They have been applied to determine the elemental composition of archaeological objects and to characterize nuclear reference materials.
A combination of NRTA and NRCA together with Prompt Gamma Neutron Analysis, referred to as Neutron Resonance Densitometry (NRD), is being studied as a non-destructive method to characterize particle-like debris of melted fuel that is formed in severe nuclear accidents such as the one which occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants. This study is part of a collaboration between JAEA and EC-JRC-IRMM. In this contribution the basic principles of NRTA and NRCA are explained based on the experience in the use of these methods at the time-of-flight facility GELINA of the EC-JRC-IRMM. Specific problems related to the analysis of samples resulting from melted fuel are discussed. The programme to study and solve these problems is described and results of a first measurement campaign at GELINA are given.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 35th ESARDA annual meeting |
Place of Publication | Italy |
State | Published - 31 May 2013 |
Event | 2013 - ESARDA - European Safeguards Research & Development Association: 35th ESARDA Annual Meeting - SCK-CEN, Bruges Duration: 28 May 2013 → 30 May 2013 |
Conference
Conference | 2013 - ESARDA - European Safeguards Research & Development Association |
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Country/Territory | Belgium |
City | Bruges |
Period | 2013-05-28 → 2013-05-30 |