Masters Theses

Abstract

“The primary neutron absorbing material examined in this project was Boraflex™, which consists of a silicone polymer with boron carbide acting as the neutron absorber. Two aluminum based neutron absorbers, Boral™ and Al-B-Ten, were also examined. Both X-ray and neutron radiography were used to examine the Boraflex™. The neutron radiography gave better resolution in detecting fluctuations in the boron carbide distribution; however, X-ray radiography did perform better in detecting flaws in the base material. Tensile tests were performed to determine the uniformity of Boraflex™'s tensile properties. The average tensile strength was calculated to be 303 ± 15 psi. A small angular dependence was found in the material; however, the tensile properties were uniform as a whole. Neutron activation analysis was used to identify the presence of trace impurities in the Boraflex™ that could become radioactive after long exposures to neutrons. The elements identified were magnesium, manganese, zinc, dysprosium, and lanthanum. The total removal cross section for thermal neutrons, and the absorption cross sections were also determined. The total cross section for Boraflex™ was 14 ± 1 barn. This was compared to Boral™, which had a cross section of 220 ± 20 TM barn. The absorption cross section for the Boraflex was 12 ± 1 barn. This value was compared to the absorption cross section of Al-B-Ten, which was 4.8 ± 0.5 barn”--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Bolon, Albert E., 1939-2006

Committee Member(s)

Edwards, D. R.
Wolf, Robert V., 1929-1999

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Degree Name

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 1987

Pagination

vii, 86 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 39-43).

Rights

© 1987 Donald James Buth, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 5533

Print OCLC #

17500641

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