Design of an explosive detection system using Monte Carlo method

Appl Radiat Isot. 2016 Nov:117:27-31. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.04.008. Epub 2016 Apr 13.

Abstract

Regardless the motivation terrorism is the most important risk for the national security in many countries. Attacks with explosives are the most common method used by terrorists. Therefore several procedures to detect explosives are utilized; among these methods are the use of neutrons and photons. In this study the Monte Carlo method an explosive detection system using a 241AmBe neutron source was designed. In the design light water, paraffin, polyethylene, and graphite were used as moderators. In the work the explosive RDX was used and the induced gamma rays due to neutron capture in the explosive was estimated using NaI(Tl) and HPGe detectors. When light water is used as moderator and HPGe as the detector the system has the best performance allowing distinguishing between the explosive and urea. For the final design the Ambient dose equivalent for neutrons and photons were estimated along the radial and axial axis.

Keywords: Dose; Explosives; Gamma rays; MCNPX; Neutrons.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Americium / analysis*
  • Americium / chemistry
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Explosive Agents / analysis*
  • Explosive Agents / chemistry*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Neutron Capture Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Neutron Capture Therapy / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrometry, Gamma / instrumentation*
  • Spectrometry, Gamma / methods

Substances

  • Explosive Agents
  • Americium