An ionization method of determining the absorbed energy in a mixed flux of fast neutrons and gamma rays

• Published in: Journal of nuclear energy. Parts A/B, Reactor science and technology Reactor science and technology, 1962-01, Vol.16 (5), p.285-289
• Main Authors: Bregadze, Iu.I., Isaev, B.M., Kvasov, V.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0368-3230
• DOI: 10.1016/0368-3230(62)90136-2

The possibility of determining separately the energy deposition of the neutrons and γ-rays in a mixed flux of radiation from a reactor using homogeneous ionization chambers is examined. Three chambers with different hydrogen contents were used: Polythene with an ethylene filling, graphite with a CO 2 filling and a chamber made of the conducting plastic ‘aerion’ filled with a mixture of ethylene and CO 2. The sensitivities of these chambers were calculated theoretically for neutrons having various energies in the range 0·2–8 MeV. Changing the neutron spectrum between wide limits does not affect the accuracy of the determination of the absorbed dose in the hydrogenous substratum. Calculations show that the error in the determination of the fast neutron energy absorption is ∼15 per cent and that it depends weakly on the ratio of the neutron and γ-ray doses.