Design of a multipourpose irradiation facility based on a Linac

Particle accelerators play an important role in scientific and technical fields since the beginning of the last century starting from the necessity to have ever greater energies for charged particles impinging on solid targets to investigate the matter microscopic properties and structure. Different layout and designs have been realized to respond to various utilizations also incrementing the energy of the charged particles accelerated. Among these, the present work aims to investigate a particular layout for a proton LINAC at 20 MeV with the aim to generate neutron fluxes of energies such that it’s possible to extend the actual capacity of the TRIGA RC1 nuclear research reactor. Throw simulations of the LINAC and of the interaction with different solid targets, a final layout is presented and discussed also from the point of view of the justification. Other fundamental aspects are also illustrated in order to evaluate the needs from the point of view of the investments needed, in terms of a capital investment, and the key management topics to be solved by an operator.