Template measurement is an important method in deep nuclear disarmament. The gamma-ray spectrum of Plutonium pit shows unique property due to age, abundance, amounts and thickness of the Plutonium pit; that is, same designed pits yield similar gamma-ray spectra while different design give distinct spectra. Useful information is extracted from gamma-ray spectrum generated by the reliable Plutonium pit radiation as ‘template’. Comparison of the data from inspected objects with the template can give conclusion whether they are of the same type. This paper studies how to choose template data from gamma-ray spectrum and discusses the limits of the gamma-ray measurement. Because of the strong self-absorption of Plutonium, some characteristics of Plutonium pit can’t be identified only by gamma spectrum. MCNP simulation was employed to prove that in some cases, template depending on gamma-ray spectrum from the reliable Plutonium pit alone can’t effectively distinguish the spurious objects. And a further approach indicates that enhancing neutron counting rate of spontaneous fission of Plutonium can improve the problem. Neutron counting rate can be indirectly acquired by spontaneous fissile neutrons bombarding a 10B target. 478 keV γ rays are concomitant with the nuclear reaction 10B(n,α)7Li* from 7Li* nuclei’s deexcitation. Neutron information is gathered by detecting 478 keV γ photons. Using HPGe γ detector can both detect γ-ray spectrum and acquire neutron counting rate. This method efficiently increases confidence of template measurement and also ensures the dismantling process without revealing sensitive nuclear warhead design information.
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18th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering
May 17–21, 2010
Xi’an, China
Conference Sponsors:
- Nuclear Engineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4931-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Study of Template Measurement of Plutonium Pit Based on Gamma-Ray Detection
Changfan Zhang,
Changfan Zhang
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
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Jian Gong,
Jian Gong
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
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Junrui Teng,
Junrui Teng
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
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Suping Liu
Suping Liu
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Changfan Zhang
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
Jian Gong
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
Junrui Teng
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
Suping Liu
China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
Paper No:
ICONE18-29486, pp. 163-169; 7 pages
Published Online:
April 8, 2011
Citation
Zhang, C, Gong, J, Teng, J, & Liu, S. "Study of Template Measurement of Plutonium Pit Based on Gamma-Ray Detection." Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering. 18th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering: Volume 3. Xi’an, China. May 17–21, 2010. pp. 163-169. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/ICONE18-29486
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