Nuclear Reactor Physics

Topic 4: Neutron Diffusion Theory

Wei WANG
wwang326@cityu.edu.hk

1
Neutron Transport
o Essential of chain fission reactions: the process of neutron generation,
transporting and absorption in the medium.
o Basic problem is to determine the neutron (flux) distribution in the reactor.
transport (slowing down & diffusion)

𝒓1 , 𝐸1 , 𝜴1

absorbed generation
𝒓2 , 𝐸2 , 𝜴2

thermal intermediate fast

Neutron energy E

2
Neutron Transport
o Essential of chain fission reactions: the process of neutron generation,
transporting and absorption in the medium.
o Basic problem is to determine the neutron (flux) distribution in the reactor.
transport (slowing down & diffusion)

absorption?
𝒓1 , 𝐸1 , 𝜴1

absorption?
absorbed generation
𝒓2 , 𝐸2 , 𝜴2

thermal intermediate fast

Neutron energy E

o The neutron distribution depends on the neutron source distribution, which in

the case of the fission source depends on the neutron distribution itself, and on
the interactions with atomic nuclei experienced by the neutrons as they move
away from the source.
3
Solid Angle
𝑟sinθ𝑑𝜑

𝑟𝑑𝜃
𝑟𝑑𝜃
𝑟 𝑟sinθ
polar angle 𝜃 𝑑𝑆
𝑑𝜃
𝑑𝜃
neutron
azimuth angle 𝜑 𝑑𝜑

d𝜴

𝑑𝑆 = 𝑟sin𝜃𝑑𝜑𝑟𝑑𝜃
𝑑𝑆
Solid angle denotes the transport direction 𝑑𝜴 = 2 = sin𝜃𝑑𝜃𝑑𝜑
𝑟

4
Neutron Distribution
o Neutron angular density:
o 𝑛 𝒓, 𝐸, 𝜴 ;
o The number of neutrons that transport at the spatial location r, in per unit energy
interval of E, and in the direction of Ω (solid angle).

o Neutron angular flux:

o 𝜙 𝒓, 𝐸, 𝜴 ;
o The number of neutrons with kinetic energy E that pass per unit area dS (that is
perpendicular to Ω) per unit time.

𝑡, 𝒓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 , v 𝐸 , 𝜴 𝜃, 𝜑
𝜙 𝒓, 𝐸, 𝜴 = 𝑛 𝒓, 𝐸, 𝜴 v 𝐸

neutron
𝑡 ′ , 𝒓′ 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 , v′ 𝐸 , 𝜴′ 𝜃, 𝜑

5
Topics
o Neutron diffusion theory
o To develop a one-speed diffusion theory mathematical description of nuclear
reactors. Such a relatively simple description has the great advantage of illustrating
many of the important features of nuclear reactors (without the complexity that is
introduced by the treatment of important effects associated with the neutron
energy spectrum and with highly directional neutron transport).
o By resorting to diffusion theory, to accurately provide a quantitative understanding
of physics features of nuclear reactors.

▪ One-speed diffusion theory: Fick’s Law

▪ The equation of diffusion (boundary conditions, solution for one-speed
case, etc.)
▪ Neutron diffusion and migration lengths

6
One-Speed Diffusion Theory: Fick’s Law

7
Neutron Current
o Net current 𝐽𝑥 at the origin:
o The net number of neutrons that pass per unit area of the y-z plane per unit time.

𝜕𝜙
o 𝐽𝑥 = 𝐽𝑥+ − 𝐽𝑥− = −𝐷
𝜕𝑥 0
𝐽𝑥+ : partial upward current density (pass to x+);
𝐽𝑥− : partial downward current density (pass to x-);
D: diffusion coefficient.
y-z
o Similarly, net current 𝐽𝑦 and 𝐽𝑧 𝜙 𝑥 Neutron net current
𝜙0
𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑦 = −𝐷
𝜕𝑦 0
𝐽𝑥−
𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑧 = −𝐷 𝐽𝑥+
𝜕𝑧 0
x
0

8
Neutron Current
o 3-dimensional generalization of net current 𝐽:
o The net number of neutrons that pass per unit area per unit time.
o 𝐽 = 𝐽Ԧ ∙ 𝑛 𝐽Ԧ
𝑛 = cos 𝛼 𝑖Ԧ + cos 𝛽 𝑗Ԧ + cos 𝛾 𝑘 𝛽
𝑑𝑆 𝛼
𝐽Ԧ = 𝐽𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝐽𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝐽𝑧 𝑘 = −𝐷𝛻𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 𝛾

Gradient 𝛻 in rectangular system:

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛻 = 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑘
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

9
Diffusion Phenomenon
o “Fick's law relates the diffusive flux to the concentration under the assumption
of steady state. It postulates that the flux goes from regions of high
concentration to regions of low concentration, with a magnitude that is
proportional to the concentration gradient (spatial derivative).”
o Applicable to neutron diffusion in reactors.

diffusion

high concentration/flux low concentration/flux

10
Assumptions
o One-speed neutron group (same E);
o Neutron flux does not vary with time t at steady state;
o Neutron flux only varies with spatial location r; thus, 𝝓 𝒓
o Uniform infinite medium;
o Isotropic scattering in lab system (𝝁𝟎 = 𝟎);
o Very small absorption cross section (𝜮𝒂 ≪ 𝜮𝒔 );

11
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Neutron angular flux density 𝜙 𝒓 at 𝒓:
𝜙 𝒓 =𝑛 𝒓 v Slide 5

o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons per unit time per unit volume dV (i.e.,
z
scattering reaction rate in dV):
𝑅 𝒓 𝑑𝑉 = Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 𝑑𝑉
dr
dV, ϕ rԦ
r
𝛀
θ
dS
dθ
y
θ
φ dφ
𝐽𝑧−

12
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Neutron angular flux density 𝜙 𝒓 at 𝒓:
𝜙 𝒓 =𝑛 𝒓 v Slide 5

o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons per unit time per unit volume dV (i.e.,
z
scattering reaction rate in dV):
𝑅 𝒓 𝑑𝑉 = Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 𝑑𝑉
r dV, ϕ rԦ
o Solid angle Ω (whose origin is dV) covers per 𝛀
area dS: Ω = 𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃Τ4𝜋𝑟 2 ; θ
o Probability that a neutron does not react dS
with other nuclei in the transport of r is dθ
y
𝑒 −Σ𝑠 𝑟 (constant reaction rate 𝛴𝑠 , thus non- θ
reaction distance r follows an exponential 𝐽𝑧−
distribution, as in probability theory).
x

13
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Neutron angular flux density 𝜙 𝒓 at 𝒓:
𝜙 𝒓 =𝑛 𝒓 v Slide 5

o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons per unit time per unit volume dV (i.e.,
z
scattering reaction rate in dV):
𝑅 𝒓 𝑑𝑉 = Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 𝑑𝑉
r dV, ϕ rԦ
o Solid angle Ω (whose origin is dV) covers per 𝛀
area dS: Ω = 𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃Τ4𝜋𝑟 2 ; θ
o Probability that a neutron does not react dS
with other nuclei in the transport of r is dθ
y
𝑒 −Σ𝑠 𝑟 (constant reaction rate 𝛴𝑠 , thus non- θ
reaction distance r follows an exponential 𝐽𝑧−
distribution, as in probability theory).
x

o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons (emitted from 𝐝𝐕) arriving at 𝐝𝐒 per

unit time:
𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃 −Σ 𝑟
Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 𝑑𝑉 ∙ 2
∙𝑒 𝑠
4𝜋𝑟 14
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons (emitted from 𝐝𝐕) arriving at 𝐝𝐒 per
unit time:
𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃 −Σ 𝑟
Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 𝑑𝑉 ∙ 2
∙𝑒 𝑠
4𝜋𝑟
z
o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons
(emitted from the hemisphere)
dr
downward pass through 𝐝𝐒 per unit dV, ϕ rԦ
r
time: 𝛀
𝑑𝑁 − = 𝐽𝑧− 𝑑𝑆 dS
θ

dθ
−
𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃 −Σ 𝑟 y
𝑑𝑁 = ම Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 2 𝑒 𝑠 𝑑𝑉
𝑉up 4𝜋𝑟 𝐽𝑧− φ dφ

• Hemisphere

15
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o We only consider scattering neutrons close to dS because when r is very large,
most of scattering neutrons will be scattered again (𝑒 −Σ𝑠 𝑟 → 0) and directions
changes from dS; and in fact 𝜙 𝑟Ԧ does not change too much in real reactors.
𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
o Taylor series of 𝜙 𝒓 : 𝜙 𝒓 ≈ 𝜙0 + 𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧
𝜕𝑥 0
𝜕𝑦 0
𝜕𝑧 0

z
o Transformation of spherical coordinate system:
𝑥 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜑 dr
dV, ϕ rԦ
ቐ 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 sin 𝜑 r
𝛀
𝑧 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃
θ
dS
𝑑𝑉 = 𝑟 3 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑𝜑𝑑𝑟 dθ
y
2𝜋 2𝜋 φ dφ
𝐽𝑧−
න cos 𝜑 𝑑𝜑 = 0; න sin 𝜑 𝑑𝜑 = 0
0 0

x 𝜑~ 0,2𝜋
• Hemisphere
16
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Number of isotropic scattering neutrons (emitted from the hemisphere) pass
through 𝐝𝐒 per unit time:
−
𝑑𝑆 cos 𝜃 −Σ 𝑟
𝑑𝑁 = 𝐽𝑧− 𝑑𝑆 = ම Σ𝑠 𝜙 𝒓 2 𝑒 𝑠 𝑑𝑉
𝑉up 4𝜋𝑟

𝜋 𝜋
−
Σ𝑠 𝜙0 ∞ −Σ 𝑟 2
2𝜋
Σ𝑠 𝜕𝜙 ∞
−Σ𝑠 𝑟
2
2
2𝜋
𝐽𝑧 = න 𝑒 𝑠 𝑑𝑟 න sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 න 𝑑𝜑 + න 𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟 න sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 න 𝑑𝜑
4𝜋 0 0 0 4𝜋 𝜕𝑧 0 0 0 0

𝜋 𝜋
−
Σ𝑠 𝜙0 ∞ −Σ 𝑟 2
2𝜋
Σ𝑠 𝜕𝜙 ∞
−Σ𝑠 𝑟
2
2
2𝜋
𝐽𝑧 = න 𝑒 𝑠 𝑑𝑟 න sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 න 𝑑𝜑 + න 𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟 න sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 න 𝑑𝜑
4𝜋 0 0 0 4𝜋 𝜕𝑧 0 0 0 0
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= = = =
Σ𝑠 𝟐 𝚺𝒔𝟐 𝟑

𝜙0 1 1 𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑧− = +
4 6 Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧 0
17
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
𝜙0 1 1 𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑧− = +
4 6 Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧 0 1 𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑧 = 𝐽𝑧+ − 𝐽𝑧− = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧
𝜙0 1 1 𝜕𝜙 0
𝐽𝑧+ = −
4 6 Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧 0

Similarly, 1 𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑥 = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑥 0

1 𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑦 = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑦 0

18
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Net current 𝐽𝑧 𝑟Ԧ at the location 𝑟:
Ԧ
𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑧− 𝑟Ԧ = +
4 6Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑧 𝑟Ԧ = 𝐽𝑧+ 𝑟Ԧ − 𝐽𝑧− 𝑟Ԧ = −
𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧
𝐽𝑧+ 𝑟Ԧ = −
4 6Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧

1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
o Similarly, 𝐽𝑥 𝑟Ԧ and 𝐽𝑦 𝑟Ԧ 𝐽𝑥 𝑟Ԧ = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑦 𝑟Ԧ = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑦

19
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
o Net current 𝐽𝑧 𝑟Ԧ at the location 𝑟:
Ԧ
𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑧− 𝑟Ԧ = +
4 6Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑧 𝑟Ԧ = 𝐽𝑧+ 𝑟Ԧ − 𝐽𝑧− 𝑟Ԧ = −
𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ 3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧
𝐽𝑧+ 𝑟Ԧ = −
4 6Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑧

1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
o Similarly, 𝐽𝑥 𝑟Ԧ and 𝐽𝑦 𝑟Ԧ 𝐽𝑥 𝑟Ԧ = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
𝐽𝑦 𝑟Ԧ = −
3Σ𝑠 𝜕𝑦

o Fick’s Law, that governs the diffusion of neutrons.

1
𝐽Ԧ = 𝐽𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝐽𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝐽𝑧 𝑘 = −𝐷𝛻𝜙 𝑟Ԧ = − 𝛻𝜙 𝑟Ԧ
3Σ𝑠
1
𝐷= diffusion coefficient
3Σ𝑠
20
Modifying Factor of Diffusion Coefficient
o One-speed neutron group (same E);
o Neutron flux density does not vary with time t at steady state; thus, 𝝓 𝒓
o Neutron flux density only varies with spatial location r;
o Uniform infinite medium;
o Very small absorption cross section (𝜮𝒂 ≪ 𝜮𝒔 ), (thus 𝜮𝒕 = 𝜮𝒂 + 𝜮𝒔 )
o Isotropic scattering in lab system (𝝁𝟎 = 𝟎);
𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓
o Taylor series: 𝝓 𝒓 ≈ 𝝓𝟎 + 𝒙
𝝏𝒙
+𝒚
𝝏𝒚
+𝒛
𝝏𝒛
𝟎 𝟎 𝟎

1 o Average cosine of scattering

𝐷=
3Σ𝑠 1 − 𝜇ҧ 0 2 Topic 3
angle in lab system: 𝜇ҧ0 = 3𝐴

o Transport cross section: Σ𝑡𝑟 = Σ𝑠 1 − 𝜇ҧ 0

1 𝜆𝑠
o Transport mean free path: 𝜆𝑡𝑟 = =
Σ𝑡𝑟 1 − 𝜇ҧ0
21
One-Speed Diffusion Equation
(Neutron Balance)

22
Neutron Balance
o Three sources of neutrons contribute to the change of 𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡 in volume V:
• Generated from (fission) neutron source;
• Absorbed by nuclei;
• Leakage out of V.

𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡 Generation
𝑉

Leakage out of
r, to r’

Absorbed

0 r r+dr r’ r’+dr’ Location r

23
Neutron Balance
o The mathematical formulation of neutron diffusion theory is then obtained by
using the diffusion theory expression for the neutron current in the neutron
balance equation on a differential volume element.

Increase Generation Absorption Net leakage of

= − −
of neutron of neutron of neutron neutron out of V

𝑑
න 𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 න 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 න Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 න 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡 ∙ 𝑛𝑑𝑆
𝑑𝑡 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑆
𝜕𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡
=න 𝑑𝑉 • 𝓢: source • Reaction = න 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉
𝑉 𝜕𝑡 𝑉
intensity rate
• Gauss’s
divergence
theorem

24
Neutron Balance
o The mathematical formulation of neutron diffusion theory is then obtained by
using the diffusion theory expression for the neutron current in the neutron
balance equation on a differential volume element.

Increase Generation Absorption Net leakage of

= − −
of neutron of neutron of neutron neutron out of V

𝜕𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡
න 𝑑𝑉 = න 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 − න Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 − න 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉
𝑉 𝜕𝑡 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉

25
Neutron Balance
o The mathematical formulation of neutron diffusion theory is then obtained by
using the diffusion theory expression for the neutron current in the neutron
balance equation on a differential volume element.

Increase Generation Absorption Net leakage of

= − −
of neutron of neutron of neutron neutron out of V

𝜕𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡
න 𝑑𝑉 = න 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 − න Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉 − න 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡 𝑑𝑉
𝑉 𝜕𝑡 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉

𝜕𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡
o Equation of continuity = 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝑛 𝒓, 𝑡 v − 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡
𝜕𝑡
1 𝜕𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
= 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 − 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡
v 𝜕𝑡

o For steady system 0 = 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 − 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡

26
Equation of Diffusion
1 𝜕𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
o Slide 25 Equation of continuity: = 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 − 𝛻 ∙ 𝐽Ԧ 𝒓, 𝑡
v 𝜕𝑡
o Slide 19 Fick’s law: 𝐽Ԧ = −𝐷𝛻𝜙 𝑟Ԧ

1 𝜕𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
= 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
v 𝜕𝑡

o When 𝜙 independent to t:
0 = 𝒮 𝒓 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓
2 2 2
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
o where, 𝛻 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 (in rectangular system)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

27
Boundary Conditions

(Prerequisite of solving the equation of diffusion)

28
Equation of Diffusion & Boundary Conditions
o Slide 27 Equation of continuity describes the physical relationship between
the neutrons in a spatial location 𝑟Ԧ and those in surrounding locations from the
differential point of view.
1 𝜕𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
= 𝒮 𝒓, 𝑡 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓, 𝑡
v 𝜕𝑡

Boundary conditions and initial conditions have to be attached to

determine the specific property of the overall system.

o e.g., steady state (when 𝜙 independent to t):

0 = 𝒮 𝒓 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓

𝜕 2 𝜕 2 𝜕 2
o where, 𝛻 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 (in rectangular system)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
29
Boundary Conditions (1)
o The value of neutron flux density 𝜙 is assumed to be non-negative, limited real
value (𝝓 ≥ 𝟎);

30
Boundary Conditions (2)
o In the interface of two media, the neutron current J and neutron flux 𝜙 are
assumed to be same; y-z

𝐽𝑥+ |𝐴 = 𝐽𝑥+ |𝐵 No neutron

Medium A Medium B
accumulation or
𝐽𝑥− |𝐴 = 𝐽𝑥− |𝐵 consumption

𝐽𝑥+ |𝐴 − 𝐽𝑥− |𝐴 = 𝐽𝑥+ |𝐵 − 𝐽𝑥− |𝐵

x
0
𝜕𝜙
𝐽𝑥 = 𝐽𝑥+ − 𝐽𝑥− = −𝐷
𝜕𝑥 0

𝐽𝑥+ |𝐴
𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝐽𝑥− |𝐴
𝐷𝐴 = 𝐷𝐵 𝐽𝑥+ |𝐵
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝐴 𝐵 𝐽𝑥− |𝐵
Interface Interface
𝐽𝑥+ |𝐴 + 𝐽𝑥− |𝐴 = 𝐽𝑥+ |𝐵 + 𝐽𝑥− |𝐵 A B
Number of neutron
passing interface

𝜙𝐴 = 𝜙𝐵 31
Boundary Conditions (3)
o Vacuum boundary condition: In the interface between a medium and vacuum,
i. the neutron current density 𝑱−
𝒙 |𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐮𝐦 is assumed to be equal to 0; and
ii. in a distance d away from the interface, 𝜙 is assumed to be equal to 0.
Thermal neutron extrapolation distance 𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟏𝝀𝒕𝒓
Transport mean free path:
1 𝜆𝑠
𝜆𝑡𝑟 = = Slide 21
Σ𝑡𝑟 1 − 𝜇ҧ0

y-z

Medium A Vacuum
𝜙0

Linear extrapolation

𝐽𝑥− |vacuum = 0
x
0 𝑑
32
Solution of the One-Speed Diffusion Equation

33
Steady-State Equation of Diffusion
o Steady state (when 𝜙 independent to t): 0 = 𝒮 𝒓 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓
o 𝒮 𝒓 = 0 for the spatial locations, except initial neutron source;

o Wave equation, Helmholtz equation:

0 = 𝛻2𝜙 𝒓 − 𝜅2𝜙 𝒓

1
0= 𝛻 2𝜙 𝒓 − 2𝜙 𝒓
𝐿

1 𝐷
• L: Neutron diffusion length 𝐿2 = 2=
𝜅 Σ𝑎

34
(1-1) Point Source in an Infinite Homogeneous Medium
z
o 𝛻 2 in spherical coordinate:
𝑑 2 2 𝑑
𝛻2 = 2 +
𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑑𝑟
o Wave equation in spherical coordinate:
𝑟
2
𝑑 𝜙 𝒓 2 𝑑𝜙 𝒓 1 𝒮0
0= + − 2𝜙 𝒓 𝑟>0 y
Point source
𝑑𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝐿

General solution
x
−𝑟Τ𝐿 𝑟 Τ𝐿
𝑒 𝑒
𝜙 𝑟 =𝐴 +𝐶
𝑟 𝑟
𝒮0
• Condition of point source: lim 4𝜋𝑟 2 𝐽
𝑟 = 𝒮0 → 𝐴 =
𝑟→0 4𝜋𝐷
• According to boundary condition (1), 𝐶 = 0.

𝒮0 𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿
𝜙 𝑟 = o Neutron flux is proportional to source intensity.
4𝜋𝑟𝐷
35
(1-2) Point Source at the Center of a Finite Homogeneous Medium
z
o 𝛻 2 in spherical coordinate:
𝑑 2 2 𝑑 extrapolation distance
𝛻2 = 2 + 0.71𝜆𝑡𝑟
𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑑𝑟
o Wave equation in sphere of radius r:
𝑟
𝑑2𝜙 𝒓 2 𝑑𝜙 𝒓 1 𝒮0
0= + − 2𝜙 𝒓 𝑟>0 y
Point source
𝑑𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝐿

General solution Vacuum

x
−𝑟Τ𝐿 𝑟 Τ𝐿
𝑒 𝑒
𝜙 𝑟 =𝐴 +𝐶
𝑟 𝑟
𝒮0
• Condition of point source: lim 4𝜋𝑟 2 𝐽
𝑟 = 𝒮0 → 𝐴 =
𝑟→0 4𝜋𝐷
• According to boundary condition (3) for vacuum boundary, 𝑑 = 0.71𝜆𝑡𝑟 .

𝒮0 sinh 𝑎𝑒𝑥 − 𝑟 Τ𝐿
𝜙 𝑟 = (𝑎𝑒𝑥 = 𝑟 + 0.71𝜆𝑡𝑟 )
4𝜋𝑟𝐷 sinh 𝑎𝑒𝑥 Τ𝐿
36
(2) Line Source in an Infinite Homogeneous Medium
z
o 𝛻 2 in cylindrical coordinate:
𝑑 2 1 𝑑 𝒮0
𝛻2 = 2 +
𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑑𝑟
o Diffusion equation in cylindrical coordinate: 𝑟

𝑑2𝜙 𝑟 1 𝑑𝜙 𝑟 1
0= + − 𝜙 𝑟 𝑟>0 x
𝑑𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝐿2 0

y
General solution

𝜙 𝑟 = 𝐴𝐼0 𝑟Τ𝐿 + 𝐶𝐾0 𝑟Τ𝐿

• Condition of line source: lim 2𝜋𝑟𝐽 𝑟 = 𝒮0

𝑟→0
• 𝐴 = 0.

𝒮0 𝐾0 𝑟Τ𝐿 𝐾0 as modified Bessel function of order

𝜙 𝑟 =
2𝜋𝐷 zero of the second kind
37
(3-1) Plane Isotropic Source in a Finite Homogeneous Medium
z
o 𝛻 2 in 1-dimension plane: Real boundary Plane source
𝑑 2 Extrapolated boundary
𝛻2 = 2 𝒮0
𝑑𝑥 extrapolation distance
0.71𝜆𝑡𝑟
o Wave equation in 1D plane: 𝜙 𝑥 𝜙 𝑥

𝑑2𝜙 𝑥 1
0= − 𝜙 𝑥 𝑥≠0 x
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐿2 − 𝑎𝑒𝑥 Τ2 -a/2 0 a/2 𝑎𝑒𝑥 Τ2

y
General solution

𝜙 𝑟 = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑥Τ𝐿 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑥Τ𝐿

• Boundary condition (3): 𝜙 ± 𝑎𝑒𝑥 Τ2 = 0;

lim 𝐽 𝑥 = 𝒮0 Τ2.
• 𝑥→0

𝒮0 𝐿 sinh 𝑎𝑒𝑥 − 2 𝑥 Τ2𝐿

𝜙 𝑥 =
2𝐷 cosh 𝑎𝑒𝑥 Τ2𝐿
38
(3-2) Plane Isotropic Source in a Infinite Homogeneous Medium
z
o 𝛻 2 in 1-dimension plane: Plane source
𝑑 2
𝛻2 = 2 𝒮0
𝑑𝑥
o Wave equation in 1D plane: 𝜙 𝑥 𝜙 𝑥

𝑑2𝜙 𝑥 1
0= − 𝜙 𝑥 𝑥≠0 x
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐿2 0

y
General solution

𝜙 𝑟 = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑥Τ𝐿 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑥Τ𝐿

• lim 𝐽 𝑥 = 𝒮0 Τ2.
𝑥→0

𝒮0 𝐿𝑒 − 𝑥 Τ𝐿
𝜙 𝑥 =
2𝐷
39
Neutron Diffusion, Slowing down and Migration Lengths

40
Steady-State Equation of Diffusion
o Steady state (when 𝜙 independent to t): 0 = 𝒮 𝒓 − Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝒓 + 𝐷𝛻 2 𝜙 𝒓
o 𝒮 𝒓 = 0 for the spatial locations, except initial neutron source;

o Wave equation, Helmholtz equation:

0 = 𝛻2𝜙 𝒓 − 𝜅2𝜙 𝒓

1
0= 𝛻 2𝜙 𝒓 − 2𝜙 𝒓
𝐿 Slide 34

1 𝐷 • L: Neutron diffusion length

• L: Neutron diffusion length 𝐿2 = =
𝜅 2 Σ𝑎 • D: Diffusion coefficient

41
Diffusion Length 𝑳 z

o Number of absorbed neutrons in 𝑟 to 𝑟 + 𝑑𝑟 per unit time:

𝐩 𝐫 𝐝𝐫
𝑑𝑛 = 𝑅𝑎 𝑑𝑉 = Σ𝑎 𝜙 𝑟 ∙ 4𝜋𝑟 2 𝑑𝑟 𝐝𝐫

absorbed
𝐫
𝒮0 𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿
Slide 35 𝜙 𝑟 =
4𝜋𝑟𝐷 𝒮0 y
Point source

absorbed
absorbed
𝒮0 𝑟𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿 𝒮0 𝑟𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿
𝑑𝑛 = Σ𝑎 𝑑𝑟 = 𝑑𝑟 absorbed
𝐷 𝐿2 x

o The distribution of absorbed neutrons in 𝑟 to Point Source in an Infinite

𝑟 + 𝑑𝑟: Homogeneous Medium

𝑑𝑛 𝑟𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿
𝑝 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = = 𝑑𝑟
𝒮0 𝐿2

42
Diffusion Length 𝑳 z

o The (thermal) diffusion length is related to

the mean-squared distance that a thermal 𝐩 𝐫 𝐝𝐫
neutron travels from the source point to 𝐝𝐫
the point at which it is absorbed, as may
absorbed
be seen by computing the mean-squared 𝐫
distance to capture for (thermal) neutrons 𝒮0 y
emitted by a point source in an infinite 𝑟′′
Point source
𝑟′′′
medium: absorbed
absorbed
∞
𝑟′
𝒓𝟐𝒅 = න 𝑟 2 𝑝 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 absorbed
0
x

𝑑𝑛 𝑟𝑒 −𝑟Τ𝐿 Point Source in an Infinite

Slide 36 𝑝 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 =
𝒮0
=
𝐿2
𝑑𝑟
Homogeneous Medium

1 ∞ 3 −𝑟 • Squared neutron diffusion length is equal to 1/6 of

𝒓𝟐𝒅= 2 න 𝑟 𝑒 𝐿 𝑑𝑟 = 6𝐿2 the mean square value of the distance from the
𝐿 0
thermal neutron generation source to the absorption
1 point.
𝐿2 = 𝒓𝟐𝒅 𝟏
• Plane Source in an Infinite Homogeneous Medium 𝑳𝟐 = 𝒙𝟐
6 𝟐 43
Slowing Down Length 𝝉𝒕𝒉
o Fast group neutron: 𝐸 ∈ 𝐸𝑡ℎ , 𝐸0 ;
o Thermal group neutron: 𝐸 < 𝐸𝑡ℎ . Thermal Eth

o The slowing down length is related to the

mean-squared distance that a neutron rs′′
Fast
travels from the generation point to the neutron 𝒮0
point at which it is slowed down to thermal source
Thermal Eth
region (𝑬 < 𝑬𝒕𝒉 ).
rs′′′
o Age to thermal neutron 𝜏𝑡ℎ : rs′

1 𝟐
𝜏𝑡ℎ = 𝒓𝒔 Thermal Eth
6
o 1/6 of the straight-line distance that neutron
travels from birth with E0 to a thermal one
with energy Eth.

o Slowing down length: 𝝉𝒕𝒉

44
Migration Length 𝑴
o Migration length is related to the mean-squared distance that a neutron travels
from birth as a fast fission neutron until capture as a thermal neutron;
𝑟Ԧ𝑀2 = 6 𝜏𝑡ℎ + 𝐿2 ≡ 6𝑀2

1 2
𝑀 = 𝜏𝑡ℎ + 𝐿 = 𝑟𝑠 + 𝑟𝑑2
2 2
6

𝐸𝑡ℎ
𝜆𝑎 𝐸 𝜆𝑠 𝐸 𝑑𝐸
𝑡𝑑 = 𝑡𝑠 = − න
v 𝐸0 𝜉v 𝐸

diffusion slowing down

𝐫Ԧ𝐝 𝐫Ԧ𝐬 Fast

absorbed neutron
𝐫Ԧ𝐌 source
thermal intermediate fast
Neutron energy E
45
Diffusion Parameters for Common Moderators
o For common moderators

PWR
BWR
HTGR,
LMFR,
GCFR
o For representative reactor core types

fast neutron
diffusion length

46