Photoneutron production in electron beam stop for dual-axis radiographic hydrotest facility (DARHT)

摘要

A beam stop design for an electron linear accelerator was analyzed from the perspective of photoneutron production and subsequent dose. Sophisticated nuclear data modeling codes were used to generate the photoneutron production cross sections and spectra that were then used in MCNP transport calculations. The resulting neutron dose exceeded limits for workers present in the experimental area while the accelerators are producing electron beam pulses. Therefore, the beam stop was redesigned to limit doses to acceptable values, consistent with the ALARA philosophy.