PHITS modeling and simulation of a D-D neutron generator facility for radiation safety assessment

Authors

  • Christine L. Dulohan The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas
  • Bernhard D. Egwolf Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Santo Tomas
  • Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute

Abstract

A deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron generator (NG) is a promising alternative neutron source for various applications. A detailed understanding of dose rate distribution and shielding of a radiation facility is necessary to ensure the radiological protection of the personnel involved. This study aims to develop a simulation model to evaluate the radiological safety of the future DD NG facility in the Philippines and ensure compliance with prescribed dose limits. The Monte Carlo-based Particle Heavy Ion Transport Code System (PHITS) was used to model a DD NG facility with a 2.48 MeV source and 108 n/s yield. The ambient dose equivalent rates around the NG were calculated using the ICRP 74 flux-to-dose conversion factors. Optimal radiation protection was determined by analyzing different high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderator configurations. From this, the west-oriented, fully shielded NG yielded the lowest doses, making it the optimal configuration. Results indicate that workers can safely operate the NG even with full operating time in a year. Establishing safety boundaries near the source and defining controlled areas are recommended. This study provides a reference for the radiation safety assessment of the DD NG facility that is being established in the DOST Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

SPP2025 Proceedings Cover

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Published

2025-06-15

Issue

2025: Proceedings of the 43rd Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference

Section

High Energy and Nuclear Physics

License

By submitting their manuscript to the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP) for consideration, the Authors warrant that their work is original, does not infringe on existing copyrights, and is not under active consideration for publication elsewhere.
Upon acceptance of their manuscript, the Authors further agree to grant SPP the non-exclusive, worldwide, and royalty-free rights to record, edit, copy, reproduce, publish, distribute, and use all or part of the manuscript for any purpose, in any media now existing or developed in the future, either individually or as part of a collection.
All other associated economic and moral rights as granted by the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines are maintained by the Authors.

How to Cite

[1]
“PHITS modeling and simulation of a D-D neutron generator facility for radiation safety assessment”, Proc. SPP, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. SPP–2025, Jun. 2025, Accessed: Mar. 31, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2025-2B-04