Simulation and experimental verification for Rh-SPND burnup effect

A simulation model is presented for the burnup effect of rhodium self-powered neutron detectors (Rh-SPNDs) using the Monte Carlo (MC) method. Calculated neutron sensitivities at different burnup steps are compared with the experimental measurements from the complete burnup irradiation experiments performed in a heavy water reactor (HWR). Both the simulated and experimental burnup curves of Rh-SPNDs are plotted and shows very small deviations, which proves the accuracy and reliability of the simulation methods.