Intercomparison of Neutron Dosimetry Techniques at the AFRRI (Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute) TRIGA Reactor

Abstract

In 1983 a programme of neutron dosimetry validation was undertaken at the TRIGA Mark F nuclear reactor at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI). Since the International Neutron Dosimetry Intercomparison (INDI) of 1973, the development of neutron dosimetry protocols in both the USA and Europe as well as improved knowledge of the physical factors (W,K) involved in neutron dosimetry necessitated a re-evaluation of earlier techniques. The purpose of the present programme was to validate the accuracy of AFRRI ionisation chamber neutron dosimetry by intercomparison with independently calibrated neutron measurement techniques. Two reference configurations of the AFRRI TRIGA nuclear reactor have been used for the intercomparisons, namely unshielded and shielded by a 15 cm lead shield. Calculated neutron and gamma ray energy spectra were available for these reference fields. Neutron dosimetry techniques used in the intercomparisons included: (1) Paired ionisation chambers, consisting of tissue-equivalent (TE) ionisation chambers with either a magnesium or graphite ionisation chamber or a GM counter, (2) Activation foils, (3) Fission chambers, (4) A calorimeter, and (5) Tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC). The results of this ongoing programme at the AFRRI TRIGA reactor support the general conclusion that fission neutron spectrum kerma values determined by the separate independent techniques agree within the uncertainties of the experimental measurements. Reprints.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA205808

Entities

People

  • D. M. Eagleson
  • G. H. Zeman
  • L. J. Goodman
  • M. Dooley
  • R. B. Schwartz

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Calorimeters
  • Chambers
  • Classification
  • Dosimetry
  • Fission Neutrons
  • Gamma Rays
  • Ionization
  • Ionization Chambers
  • Measurement
  • Neutron Beams
  • Neutrons
  • Proportional Counters
  • Radiation
  • Reactor Cores
  • Spectra
  • Standards

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Physics

Readers

  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.