Neutronic analysis of non-self-shielded cyclotron: an integrated approach using experimental measurements and monte carlo simulations for in-depth assessment

Alawi, Mohammed A., Fawrah, Rayan, Hazzaa, Yahya, Alhawsawi, Abdulsalam, Taha, Eslam, Elmoujarkach, Ezzat, Farhood, Sarah Y., Alredhi, Mona A., Balkheir, Mosab A., Sharaf, Mohammad A., Alsaif, Rakan N. and Banoqitah, Essam 2026. Neutronic analysis of non-self-shielded cyclotron: an integrated approach using experimental measurements and monte carlo simulations for in-depth assessment. Journal of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science , NERS-25-1040. 10.1115/1.4071116

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Abstract

Broad-energy spectrum of neutrons is produced in medical cyclotrons during Fluorine-18 production. In this work, a detailed three-dimensional (3D) spatial neutronic analysis was conducted within a cyclotron facility in the vicinity of a non-self-shielded PETtrace cyclotron target, supported by a GEANT4-based Monte Carlo simulation. Moreover, the presence of a shielding column, made of lead (Pb), which has a relatively high neutron scattering cross-section, was evaluated experimentally. Multiple sets of gold (Au) and cadmium (Cd) foils were used in three arrangements to evaluate the thermal and epithermal neutron fluxes utilizing Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The evaluated total neutron fluxes were found to be on the order of 1E+06 neutrons/ cm2. sec in the forward direction at all investigated positions. The findings indicate that the area around the target exhibits a high intensity of both thermal and epithermal neutron flux. Operational factors such as routine cyclotron maintenance and increased target volume also contribute to a rise in thermal neutron flux. In addition, the Pb column causes a significant increase in thermal neutron flux, with enhancements reaching up to 86%. The obtained results will serve as a reference for future safety assessments, including estimates of radioactive waste generation and worker dose exposure over the operational lifetime of the cyclotron facility.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	ASME International
ISSN:	2332-8983
Date of Acceptance:	6 February 2026
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2026 14:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185128

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