Can SCALE calculate DPA?

[Kaspar Hewitt Klenø]

Can SCALE calculate the DPA in the structural materials in my reactor model?

[Willem van Rooijen]

Short answer: No.

Long answer: you need so-called DPA cross sections and as far as I know, those are not available in the SCALE cross section libraries. However, I think you can calculate the required cross sections with NJOY, and then you could use those cross sections in combination with flux tallies from KENO or the scalar flux from NEWT to determine the reaction rates.

Fundamental answer: No. You are asking the wrong question. You are a nuclear engineer (I think, given your question) so please be precise. The physical quantity is "material damage", the unit is "DPA". I know that nowadays people hardly distinguish between quantities and units, but in my opinion it is simply impossible to "calculate the DPA".

Regards,

Namizono

2025年5月27日火曜日 15:43:04 UTC+9 Kaspar Hewitt Klenø:

[Dennis Mennerdahl]

Namizono,

Not so. Of course, DPA can be calculated (or measured). DPA is a variable/parameter, "Displacements per atom". The unit is just "1" (one, dimensionless since both displacements and atoms have the units 1). The sloppy use of "per atom" as a part of a unit is widespread and confuses the distinction between variable/parameter and unit. The unit should not be used to describe the variable/parameter (international and NIST standards). 

With good intentions to change the world, best regards,

Dennis