Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Christopher Lenyk, PhD

Abstract

Defect production from irradiation of materials with thicknesses much less than the mean free path for neutron interaction is explored. A model is developed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code from Los Alamos National Laboratory, experimental data from irradiations at the Oak Ridge High Flux Isotope Reactor, defect production theory, and atomistic simulation results to predict the total number of F-centers resulting from neutron irradiation of a MgO rod. This model accurately predicts the concentration of atomic defects under conditions closely matching experiments at long timescales, for large geometries, and requiring only 6.9 minutes on a single CPU. Results show agreement with experimental data between a factor of one to two depending on dose. Defect saturation is identified as the most likely source of disagreement. Inelastic scattering is identified as a large source of error for neutron energies > 1 MeV. The accuracy and computational performance achieved in this study shows great promise for future development of this technique and unifying the large gap between experimental data and simulation predictions of atomic defects.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENP-MS-23-M-094

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. PA case number on file.

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