Relocation of a neutron capture prompt gamma-ray analysis facility at the University of Missouri research reactor and measurement of boron in various materials.

摘要

Prompt Gamma-Ray Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) has been used for many years as an important nuclear analytical method for rapid and non-destructive analysis of trace and major components in a variety of fields. Since its widespread use, PGNAA has become to be regarded as an accurate technique and hundreds of articles have been published to investigate materials. A PGNAA facility was located at beamport A at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR) from 1979–1992. Programming changes resulted in its relocation at beamport D. The new facility has a thermal neutron flux of approximately 108 n/cm2/sec over an area of 10 cm2 with a cadmium ratio of 112 for gold.; This PGNAA technique was applied to the analyses of five United States Geological Survey (USGS) Rock Standards, and the determination of boron in 16 biological samples from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and 39 metal samples from Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This dissertation also shows the capability of the PGNAA and data comparisons with of trace element to other technique.