THE EFFECT OF NEUTRON FIELD PARAMETERS ON CF-252 YIELD

Some optimization methods of increasing Cf-252 yield during reactor ir radiation are described. These methods are based on the sensitivity of Cf-252 yield to neutron spectrum. Calculation results on optimal neut ron spectrum choice are presented. Results show that if the thermal ne utron flux density is fixed, the optimal epithermal neutron flux densi ty appears and in this case the Cf-252 yield is maximum for a given ir radiation time. Some new schemes of Cf-252 accumulation are proposed. Experimental results of these schemes are checked to show increasing C f-252 yield of 10-15% as compared with usual irradiation. (C) 1997 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.