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Modeling of an optimized cold neutron moderator for the ICONE project

Stage M2
CEA Saclay, (91) Essonne, France
February 28 2025
February 3 2025
6 month
2025-modelling-of-an-optimized-cold-neutron-moderator-f-en
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Domain, Specialties : Neutronics
Keywords: Monte-Carlo Simulation

Research Unit : LLB / INFRA

Summary

The aim of the ICONE project (“Innovative COmpact NEutron facility”) is to build a Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS) for the French neutron research community. A general description of the ICONE project can be found under this link: https://iramis.cea.fr/llb/icone-an-accelerator-driven-neutron-source/

In such a source, neutrons are produced in a smaller and more confined region than in a conventional reactor or a spallation source. This results in a brillance gain, when moderators are placed in close proximity to the source region. The optimal layout of the assembly consisting of the target, the moderator and the reflector (TMR) is a critical part for an efficient production of low energy neutrons.

The subject of this internship will be some detailed aspects of the cold neutron moderator for the ICONE project. The impact of different shapes of the moderator surface and the introduction of neutron mirrors as cold neutron reflectors for extraction will be investigated. As an important special geometry, the option of a re-entrant hole on the emission surface will be studied. The idea of such a hole is to remove material between the spot of highest cold flux and the direction of emission and thus enhance the neutron flux.

Full description

Numerical simulations (Monte-Carlo method) to optimize the dimensions of a para-hydrogen moderator for cold neutrons. Study the influence of different moderator shapes, especially the shape of the emission surface, and model a re-entrant hole. Introduce neutron optical components. Study the effect of different Ortho/Para hydrogen ratios as the moderator filling material.

The candidate will perform simulations of different TMR-models using the Monte Carlo particle transport code OpenMC and develop methods to quantify the brightness of the cold neutron moderator. Data analysis and visualisation of the simulation results will be done in Python.

Location

CEA Saclay, (91) Essonne, France

Internship conditions

  • Internship duration: 6 months
  • Level of study: Bac+5
  • Training: Master 2
  • Continuation in PhD thesis: Yes
  • Application deadline: 1 novembre 2024

Experimental skills

Language : English

Computer languages and software:
Knowledge in neutronics is welcome.
A good level of programming skills in Python is required.
Experience with the command line interface (shell) and the programming languages C+/C++ is an asset.

Language: proficiency in english

Supervisor

Tuteur

Richard Wagner
Phone: +33 1 69 08 60 22
Email :

Head of the laboratory LLB / INFRA

Frédéric Ott
Phone: +33 1 69 08 61 21