OPTIMIZATION OF THE ²⁵²Cf-BASED EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEM BY MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Keywords:
Monte Carlo simulation, optimization, explosive detection system, ²⁵²Cf sourceAbstract
Optimization of the ²⁵²Cf-based Explosive Detection System (EDS) was performed using Monte Carlo simulation. Heavy water, light water and polyethylene were used as moderators with lithium carbonate and lead as neutron and gamma ray shielding materials, respectively. The thicknesses of the moderators and of the neutron and gamma ray shielding materials were optimized to obtain the maximum thermal neutron flux at the center of the inspection cavity and the minimum total dose at the outer surfaces of the EDS's walls. Detection sensitivity, the required source strength and the maximum total doses of the EDS were then estimated.
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