Features of a subcritical nuclear reactor

A subcritical nuclear reactor is a device where the nuclear-fission chain reaction is initiated and maintained using an external neutron source. It is a valuable educational and research tool where in a safe way many reactor parameters can be measured. Here, we have used the six-factor formula to calculate the effective multiplication factor of a subcritical nuclear reactor Nuclear Chicago model 9000. Using the MCNP5 code, a three-dimensional model of the subcritical reactor was developed to estimate the effective multiplication factor, the neutron spectra, and the total and thermal neutron fluences along the radial and axial axis. The MCNP5 results of the effective multiplication factor were compared with those obtained from the six-factor formula. The effective dose and the Ambient dose equivalent, at three sites outside the reactor, were estimated; the Ambient dose equivalent was also measured and compared with the calculated values.