Space asymptotic method for the study of neutron propagation

Space asymptotic theory is shown to be a suitable model for the study of pulsed experiments in neutron multiplying systems. After a short revisitation of the basic aspects of space asymptotic theory applied on the Laplace transformed one-group transport equation, the full solution is derived. It is shown how results are exact in representing localized pulse propagation in the first portion of the transient, until the boundary is reached by the neutron signal, since it propagates with a finite velocity. Approximate models are then derived starting from the exact formulation and the B(N) method is used to account for anisotropy effects. Numerical results are presented for one-dimensional systems, discussing the physical phenomena and noting the distortions introduced by approximate models, which may then turn out to be inadequate for the simulation of realistic pulsed experiments situations. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.