Methods and Instruments for Assessing the in-Core Gamma Heating of Materials

The reliable estimate gamma heating of materials in a research reactor core, including irradiated samples or core compartments, is recognized as directly related to reactor safety. A review of related reports indicates that the capability of accurate assessment of gamma heating of materials in nuclear reactor cores remains a matter of investigation. Numerous works, theoretical and/or experimental, have been performed in the frame of the design of the future fusion reactor ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) while relevant work is also reported concerning the future material testing reactor Jules Horowitz (RJH). In the present work, an extended review is presented about methods and instruments that have been developed in order to assess the heating of materials due to absorption of gamma radiation in a research reactor core. This compilation may contribute to define coherent measurement and computational strategies in order to reliably assess gamma heating.