Estimation of induced activity in thick lead–bismuth and iron alloy targets by 30 MeV protons

Excitation functions of different radionuclides produced by interaction of protons and neutrons in lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) and T91, D9 steel alloy targets are calculated using ALICE91 and EMPIRE 2.18 codes and compared with some experimental data. Radioactivity induced by 30 MeV protons is estimated in thick targets of LBE, T91 and D9 that are considered suitable target and beam window materials in accelerator driven subcritical systems (ADSS). The amount of induced radioactivity limits the allowed beam current as well as determines the criteria for hands-on-maintenance and disposal of radioactive wastes in such machines. The present estimation shows that for 500 μ A proton beam Po 207 is produced with highest activity of around 5 × 10 6 MBq by proton induced reaction while Bi 210 is produced with highest activity (about 10 6 MBq ) by interaction of primary neutrons in LBE.