Abstract A pressure vessel was evacuated and filled with an analog Titan atmosphere, in which a source of neutrons was suspended. Readings were taken from a neutron detector in a moderator block below, with the source at various height within the chamber. Neutron attenuation by the atmosphere was not found to be statistically significant, and absorption by surface material was found to be most likely minimal, refuting and tentatively reinforcing the respective modelling conclusions. Ultimately it was found that neutrons from the MMRTG are unlikely to be a problem for Dragonfly's measurements on the surface of Titan, and neutronic modelling should have fidelity sufficient to determine the magnitudes of minor effects.

    Highlights Experimental apparatus designed and constructed to investigate MCNP modelling results. Titan atmospheric density replicated with 5% molar methane/95% molar nitrogen blend. Neutron attenuation by Titan atmosphere found to be negligible. MCNP model of experiment used to verify neutronic behaviour of apparatus. Upper bound placed on neutron absorption by simulated Titan surface material.


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    Titel :

    Experimental determination of interaction between the radiation fields of Dragonfly's MMRTG and Titan's environment I: Neutron results


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 210 ; 384-392


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2022-08-29


    Format / Umfang :

    9 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch