Article: Optimisation of FLUKA's cyclotron model for safety assessments: accuracy and uncertainty analysis in neutron ambient dose equivalent H*(10) Journal: International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion (IJPEC) 2025 Vol.16 No.6 pp.1 - 17 Abstract: A Monte Carlo model using the FLUKA code was developed to streamline dosimetry studies for proton cyclotrons, specifically for the IBA Cyclone®18. The model simulates two liquid targets - Large Volume Silver and Nirta®Conical8 niobium - allowing precise neutron fluence calculations in the vault room. The accuracy of the neutron ambient dose equivalent, H*(10), was validated using experimental data, with results showing strong agreement. The uncertainty analysis indicated a statistical error of less than 10% for neutron dose equivalent and 0.1% for neutron fluence. This model provides a reliable tool for optimising cyclotron installation safety, offering accurate neutron dosimetry with minimal statistical errors. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Optimisation of FLUKA's cyclotron model for safety assessments: accuracy and uncertainty analysis in neutron ambient dose equivalent H*(10)

Authors: Ammar Bouabidi; Imen Hammami; Leila Ounalli

Addresses: Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunisia; Research Laboratory on Energy and Matter for Nuclear Science Development (LR16CNSTN02), Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Tunisia ' Research Laboratory on Energy and Matter for Nuclear Science Development (LR16CNSTN02), Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Tunisia ' Research Laboratory on Energy and Matter for Nuclear Science Development (LR16CNSTN02), Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Tunisia; National Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technology, Technopark Sidi Thabet, 2020 Ariana, Tunisia

Abstract: A Monte Carlo model using the FLUKA code was developed to streamline dosimetry studies for proton cyclotrons, specifically for the IBA Cyclone®18. The model simulates two liquid targets - Large Volume Silver and Nirta®Conical8 niobium - allowing precise neutron fluence calculations in the vault room. The accuracy of the neutron ambient dose equivalent, H*(10), was validated using experimental data, with results showing strong agreement. The uncertainty analysis indicated a statistical error of less than 10% for neutron dose equivalent and 0.1% for neutron fluence. This model provides a reliable tool for optimising cyclotron installation safety, offering accurate neutron dosimetry with minimal statistical errors.

Keywords: FLUKA; cyclotron; target; niobium; silver; neutron ambient dose equivalent; accuracy; uncertainty.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEC.2025.147749

International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion, 2025 Vol.16 No.6, pp.1 - 17

Received: 30 Dec 2024
Accepted: 01 Jun 2025
Published online: 29 Jul 2025 *

Title: Optimisation of FLUKA's cyclotron model for safety assessments: accuracy and uncertainty analysis in neutron ambient dose equivalent H*(10)

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