Date of Award
3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Engineering Physics
First Advisor
Andrew W. Decker, PhD
Abstract
This work measures the Gamma Protection Factor (GPF) of a steel cube, which is meant to serve as a surrogate for armored vehicles. The GPF is measured at the White Sands Missile Range Fast Burst Reactor (FBR) and is modeled using MCNP® v6.2 transport simulation software. When exposed to the FBR, the GPF is found to depend roughly linearly on the distance between the reactor core and steel cube. The GPF is determined to be 1.176 ± 0.00067 at 9.21 m, 1.098 ± 0.0011 at 26.16 m, and 1.033 ± 0.00082 at 42.92 m. MCNP® estimates the GPF for the same scenario as 1.124 ± 0.011 at 9.21 m and 1.282 ± 0.018 at 26.16 m. This work utilizes a new configuration of the FBR with the irradiation target located on an external access ramp, and serves as a proof of concept for future experimental measurements.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENP-MS-24-M-051
Recommended Citation
Poropat, Ian J., "Gamma Protection Factor for a Surrogate Armored Vehicle Exposed to the US Army Fast Burst Reactor" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7693.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7693
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.