Introduction to the

Neutron Transport
Equation
The neutron transport equation is a fundamental equation in nuclear engineering
that describes the behavior and distribution of neutrons in a nuclear reactor or
other radiation-containing environment. It forms the basis for understanding
neutron interactions, shielding, and criticality.

by Reetta Sara
Neutron Interactions with Matter
1 Scattering
Neutrons can elastically or inelastically
scatter off atomic nuclei, changing their
energy and direction.
2 Absorption
Neutrons can be captured by atomic
nuclei, leading to transmutation of the
target material.

3 Fission
In fissile materials like uranium, neutrons can induce nuclear fission, releasing more neutrons
and energy.
Derivation of the Neutron Transport
Equation
1 Neutron Flux
The neutron transport equation starts with the neutron flux, which describes the
number of neutrons passing through a given area.

2 Interaction Cross-Sections
It incorporates the probabilities of different neutron interactions, represented by
microscopic cross-sections for each process.

3 Conservation of Neutrons
The equation enforces conservation of neutrons, accounting for sources, sinks, and
movement through the system.
Assumptions and Simplifications
Steady-State One-Speed Isotropic Scattering

The transport equation often Simplified models may assume Scattering can be assumed to be
assumes a steady-state condition, neutrons have a single energy, equally likely in all directions,
where neutron populations do neglecting the full energy simplifying the angular
not change over time. spectrum. dependence.
Analytical Solutions for Simple Geometries

1D Slab Infinite Medium Spherical Shell

The transport equation has For an infinite homogeneous Spherical shell geometries also
analytic solutions for simple 1D medium, the equation has allow for analytic solutions of
slab geometries. exponential solutions. the transport equation.
Numerical Methods for Complex Geometries

Discretization Iterative Solvers Computational Power

Numerical techniques discretize Iterative methods are used to solve Advanced computing resources
the transport equation onto spatial the resulting large, sparse matrix are required to apply these
and angular meshes. equations. numerical methods to realistic
reactor designs.
Applications of the Neutron Transport
Equation
Nuclear Reactor Design
The transport equation is vital for designing the
core, shielding, and control systems of nuclear
reactors.
Medical Imaging
Transport theory is applied in neutron and proton
therapies, as well as nuclear medicine imaging
techniques.
Radiation Shielding
It is used to model the attenuation of neutrons and
gamma rays through materials for shielding
applications.
National Security
The equation is used to analyze the behavior of
neutrons in nuclear weapons and nondestructive
testing.
Conclusion and Future Developments
The neutron transport equation remains a central tool in nuclear science and engineering. As computational power
grows, increasingly sophisticated numerical models are being developed to tackle complex, 3D geometries and
multiphysics problems. Ongoing research aims to further improve the accuracy and efficiency of neutron transport
simulations.