Dakota Driven Optimization of Research Reactor Operation and Experiments: Example of Neutron Activation Experiments

Abstract

Research reactors are commonly used for neutron activation analysis. A new neutron interaction simulation tool, PyNIC, has been developed for accurately predicting the dose rates and activities produced during neutron activation analysis at the University of Utah Nuclear Engineering Facility. To better enhance experiments and research conducted with the University's research reactor, optimization software, Dakota, has been coupled with PyNIC to optimize reactor operation when experiments are conducted involving neutron activation of the material samples. This novel approach is the first attempt at coupling neutron interaction simulation tools for research reactors with optimization software, in this case the Dakota software.