Experimental Studies of Concrete Activation at the National Ignition Facility Using the Rotating Target Neutron Source

Two samples of concrete for possible use as a structural support material of the National Ignition Facility Target Chamber were irradiated with 14 MeV neutrons from the Rotating Target Neutron Source at U.C. Berkeley. Dose rate measurements were taken, using a Victoreen 450P pressurized ion chamber, from the front and rear faces of each concrete slug. The measured dose rates were compared to simulated dose rates calculated by the codes ACAB and TART. The results of the experiment have validated the results of the code calculations. Construction material decisions were made partially based on the agreement of experiment with simulation.