Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis For Nuclear Fuel Characterization Using A Portable DT Neutron Generator

Neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) is an isotopically sensitive, nondestructive assay technique that has demonstrated value for safeguards applications. Previous research utilized MCNP simulations to assess the technique’s feasibility for performing Pu assay in spent fuel assemblies and detecting potential pin diversion. To date, NRTA has been limited to fixed experimental facilities and no on-site NRTA capability exists for safeguards measurements. This work will discuss the potential of using a portable, 5e+08 n/s D-T neutron generator for the characterization of fresh and spent nuclear fuel. Experimental results for analysis of ~1 cm-thick depleted uranium targets will be presented to demonstrate the capability to determine U presence and quantify enrichment by analyzing neutron resonances in the 1-50 eV range. MCNP simulations will be presented that characterize the ability of the proposed DT generator NRTA setup to assay U and Pu in fresh fuel and spent fuel, respectively.