Characterization and verification of low-enriched uranium plate using a non-destructive methodology

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment, 2024-08, Vol.1065, p.169492, Article 169492
• Main Authors: Abo Elnour, Asmaa G., Mohamed, Nader, Zaky, Magdy M., Farid, Osama
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 235U enrichment; MCNPX code; Nuclear safeguards; Uranium target plate
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2024.169492

Non-destructive methods play a crucial role in evaluating the integrity of nuclear materials. During the production of low-enriched mini-uranium plates, some destructive tests were initially employed to assess parameters such as uranium meat density, homogeneity, 235U enrichment, and meat distribution within the clad. While these destructive methods provide precise measurements during the manufacturing process, they become impractical and costly post-fabrication. Consequently, non-destructive tests are employed for quality control, verification, and inspection of nuclear materials. Laboratories and factories are developing non-destructive methods that yield results closely aligned with destructive measurements. The present research focuses on creating non-destructive measurements for verifying 235U enrichment and meat distribution in mini-uranium plates. This innovative approach involves utilizing 235U gamma emission as input to calculate enrichment and meat distribution. High purity germanium (HPGe) and sodium iodide (NaI) detectors alongside MCNPX code for efficiency correction were used in the proposed non-destructive measurements, respectively. The obtained results were validated and verified against certified measurements and x-ray images of mini-uranium plate. The enrichment measurement exhibited consistency with certified measurements, with about 0.8% difference. Similarly, the meat distribution measurement aligned with the x-ray image of the plate. This research proposes a practical application for nuclear material control during mini-uranium plate fabrication and for ensuring accountability and verification of inventory in storage facilities.