Shielding and Activation Simulations and Calculations for the Adelphi Pelletron Accelerator Facility

Author(s):

James J. Carroll, Jarrod C. Marsh, and Christopher J. Chiara

Abstract:

The Adelphi Pelletron Experimental (APEX) Facility at ARL’s Adelphi Laboratory Center is a new research asset whose development and operations have been supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). APEX is a unique facility within the DoD that provides the ability to make nuclear data measurements and investigate the effect of ionizing radiation on materials. In addition, APEX is in the National Capital Region and can facilitate training for local scientists, U.S. Army, and DTRA staff about these measurements and their limitations. The core of APEX is a tandem van de Graaff ion accelerator of the Pelletron type, which has been used by the U.S. Navy for several decades before its transfer to ARL in 2017. APEX includes two ion sources that can provide ions suitable for acceleration of most elements. The initial focus of research with the Pelletron is geared toward improving the quantity and quality of nuclear data on the interactions of fast neutrons with materials. This report describes analyses of 1) the radiation shielding provided by the APEX Test Cell and 2) possible activation of facility and beamline materials as needed to obtain an Army Radiation Authorization for Pelletron operations.