ASTM E2971 Determining Boron-10 Areal Density

Scope:

The ASTM E2971 standard is used to quantify the effective boron-10 areal density in aluminum neutron absorber materials used in systems to manage criticalities. The test is done for containers used to transfer and transport nuclear fuel, spent nuclear fuel pools, spent nuclear fuel dry storage canisters, and new nuclear fuel transport containers. This standard is expected to be used by designers, suppliers, neutron absorber users, testing labs, and nuclear criticality analysts.

Procedure:

In ASTM E2971, aluminum neutrons are placed in a thermal neutron beam and the number of neutrons transmitted through the material is counted. The neutron count is translated into boron-10 areal density. The neutron energy spectrum is thermalized. Other methods, such as neutron diffraction, are used to generate a thermal neutron beam

Result

The boron-10 areal density, the number, and boron-10 areal density of the calibration standards used, the facility and apparatus used, and the calculation method used should all be included in the final result of ASTM E2971.

Conclusion:

The ASTM E2971 standard is used to quantify the effective boron-10 areal density in aluminum neutron absorber materials used in systems to manage criticalities.