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Pulsed neutron experiments in graphite

Citation

McFarlane, Harold Finley (1971) Pulsed neutron experiments in graphite. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/GJ42-CD26. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07102014-141504536

Abstract

Detailed pulsed neutron measurements have been performed in graphite assemblies ranging in size from 30.48 cm x 38.10 cm x 38.10 cm to 91.44 cm x 66.67 cm x 66.67 cm. Results of the measurement have been compared to a modeled theoretical computation.

In the first set of experiments, we measured the effective decay constant of the neutron population in ten graphite stacks as a function of time after the source burst. We found the decay to be non-exponential in the six smallest assemblies, while in three larger assemblies the decay was exponential over a significant portion of the total measuring interval. The decay in the largest stack was exponential over the entire ten millisecond measuring interval. The non-exponential decay mode occurred when the effective decay constant exceeded 1600 sec^( -1).

In a second set of experiments, we measured the spatial dependence of the neutron population in four graphite stacks as a function of time after the source pulse. By doing an harmonic analysis of the spatial shape of the neutron distribution, we were able to compute the effective decay constants of the first two spatial modes. In addition, we were able to compute the time dependent effective wave number of neutron distribution in the stacks.

Finally, we used a Laplace transform technique and a simple modeled scattering kernel to solve a diffusion equation for the time and energy dependence of the neutron distribution in the graphite stacks. Comparison of these theoretical results with the results of the first set of experiments indicated that more exact theoretical analysis would be required to adequately describe the experiments.

The implications of our experimental results for the theory of pulsed neutron experiments in polycrystalline media are discussed in the last chapter.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Engineering, Pulsed neutron, graphite
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Engineering and Applied Science
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Corngold, Noel Robert
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:27 May 1971
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:07102014-141504536
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07102014-141504536
DOI:10.7907/GJ42-CD26
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8536
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Dan Anguka
Deposited On:10 Jul 2014 22:22
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

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