Characterization of 252-Cf neutron energy spectrum leaking in the neutron source storage drum using MCNP5

Abstract

The neutron energy spectrum of ²⁵²Cf leaking out of the fabricated neutron source storage drum at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute was simulated using MCNP5 particle transport code. The spectrum show highest contribution from 1 MeV neutrons and an increase in the thermal to slow neutrons. A boron trifluoride proportional detector with varying plexiglass (neutron moderator) thickness was utilized to provide benchmark data for the neutron counts leaking out of the drum.