Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “GADRAS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records

GADRAS Batch Inject Tool User Guide

Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) is used by the radiation detection and emergency response community to perform modeling and spectral analysis for gamma detector systems. Built into GADRAS is the ability to define a detector, geometry, background characteristics and source composition to generate synthetic spectra for drills and exercises (injects). Consequence Management is currently in development of a sample result data simulator tool in which a deposition model is probed for source conditions at moments in time and locations in space. These values are used to generate realistic sample results for use in drills and exercises. In addition to sample results, there is a need to simulate the actual spectra that would be observed in the field by downlooking HPGe instruments given a deposition activity. This way, the FRMAC Gamma Spectroscopist can practice their process of generating quantified results from spectra on realistic data as well. Recognizing the decades of work done in GADRAS to accurately generate synthetic spectra, this team decided to build a link between the new simulator and GADRAS to generate these spectra quickly and easily. The simulator tool will generate a file that specifies the name of the spectra, its location, date/time of measurement, duration of measurement, height off the ground, and the deposition activity and age for every radionuclide in the simulation. Then, a new tool within the Inject Tab of GADRAS was developed to read in this file given a detector selection and generate In-Situ spectra for each row in the file in any file format the user chooses. This way, simulation cell staff can take these files and then upload them to the appropriate data system (RAMS or RadResponder) for use during drills and exercises. An advanced feature of this tool allows for generating any spectra given an appropriate model and mapping of source to model layer in the batch inject tool. This way, spectra from field sample counts, mobile laboratories, or even fixed laboratories can be generated in bulk given an estimate of the radioactivity concentration or total radioactivity in an import file. This expands the capabilities of this tool a great deal and will make it a more useful tool for CM and others to help estimate detector response for nearly any situation. This user guide will explain the steps needed to perform a batch inject file generation.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Comparison of Modeled to Measured Spectra using MCNP and GADRAS to Benchmark and Contrast Modeling Limitations

The desire to improve nuclear material detection through portal monitors and other low resolution detectors has led to interest in benchmarking the performance of radiation transport codes. These codes can be used to generate a variety and quantity of spectra that may be cost prohibitive to measure directly. Particular characteristics of typical detection scenarios were isolated to compare the performance of radiation transport codes to laboratory experiments. These benchmark experiments were performed to validate simulations in a number of key areas. These experiments included high areal density configurations in both one- and three-dimensional configurations. In addition, off-angle measurements were conducted to investigate the impact of detector response assumptions on complex geometries, for example where an unknown source is not physically collocated with an apparent hot spot. Furthermore, by examining both simple shielding and backscatter configurations, isolation of the scatter emanating from the object and environmental background scatter contributions to the spectra could be elucidated. A series of experiments were performed in which the order of shielding layers and the thickness were evaluated to examine the ability of the simulations to address these variables. Experiments with increasing thickness of polyethylene around a neutron source also allows for examinations of the ability of the transport simulations to properly model n,γ reactions. Finally, depleted uranium (DU) measurements have more complicated spectra than the cobalt-60 and consequently allow for investigations into the ability of transport simulations to model self-shielding. In each case, the results of the experiments were compared to MCNP simulations to judge the performance of the code, as was done previously with GADRAS 18.7.9 simulations [7]. All of the benchmark measurements were taken with a liquid nitrogen cooled 140% high purity germanium (HPGe) detector with a bismuth collimator that had the front tin filter removed. The measurement location and detector configuration were subsequently used for all experimental configurations. The remainder of this report details the experimental measurements, Section 2 and the MCNP model, Section 3. Comparisons between the experimental results and MCNP-generated spectra are performed, Section 4. Section 5 compares the results obtained with MCNP with the previously reported results obtained with GADRAS [2]. Finally, Section 6 presents the conclusions.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

First-Scatter Source Generation in GADRAS

A new scatter calculation algorithm has been implemented in the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) package that accounts for spectral effects of scattering materials not in the line of sight of the detector and the source. Previously, GADRAS would only apply scattering effects due to materials that fall between the source and detector. This new routine will allow better modeling of various scenarios including gamma imagers, collimated detectors, or traditional gamma detectors where scattering materials are present.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

GADRAS-DRF Enhancements for Safeguards – Custom Peak Fitting to Enhance Model Fitting and Isotopics

One major software update was accomplished within the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software-Detector Response Function (GADRAS-DRF) package. This update allows users to adjust individual peak fits for use in subsequent analysis processes within GADRAS-DRF. A graphical user interface (GUI) was implemented so users can see the effect of their fit adjustments on the spectrum. This new feature will enhance the capability of the previously funded auto-enrichment and peak-based 1D model fit feature that was implemented in FY23 (Fiscal Year). Isotopic analysis was performed using M400 data obtained from uranium standards and the isotopic assessment is given with and without manual peak adjustments.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Uncertainty Quantification in GADRAS Inverse Modeling

The Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) package includes an inverse modeling tool that is helpful in identifying characteristics of unknown radioactive materials. Traditionally, uncertainties in this analysis were derived solely from measurement data quality and the fit of synthetic spectra. This paper aims to rigorously quantify additional sources of uncertainty, focusing on uncertainties arising from measurements being analyzed, Detector Response Function (DRF) characterization, and DRF extrapolation. Applying these findings to the BeRPBall benchmark data set, we demonstrated the impact of these uncertainties on plutonium and polyethylene estimates. The results underscore the importance of incorporating diverse uncertainty sources to enhance the accuracy and reliability of GADRAS’s inverse modeling capabilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

GADRAS-DRF Validation for Safeguards and Custom Peak Fit Enhancements

In previous years, SGTech funded enhancements to the isotopics routine in the software called Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software-Detector Response Function (GADRAS-DRF), including the addition of peak fit customization capabilities. A project was also funded that focused on implementing a peak-based model fitting routine, allowing model fitting to be performed without dependence on export-controlled cross-sections. In FY25 significant improvements were made to the custom peak fitting interface, accompanied by several validation studies within GADRAS-DRF. These studies encompassed IsotopeID performance, distributed source analysis, isotopics validation, and activity estimation. Additionally, the peak-only model fitting option was validated using an HPGe measurement of a rotating drum with line sources.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

GADRAS + Geant4 Simulated Gamma Spectra Dataset

This dataset contains GADRAS and Geant4 simulated gamma-ray energy spectra used in the papers "Sim-to-real supervised domain adaptation for radioisotope identification" (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.171159) and "Unsupervised domain adaptation for radioisotope identification in gamma spectroscopy" (https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.05719). Each spectrum contains a mixture of several different radioisotopes, and the goal of the analysis is to leverage domain adaptation techniques to use a model trained on source-domain spectra (GADRAS) to classify target-domain spectra (Geant4).

Lalor, Peter William [Pacific Northwest National L↗

Gamma spectrometry uranium isotopic analysis rodeo: Summary of GADRAS results

This report summarizes GADRAS methods and gamma spectrometry rodeo uranium isotopic analysis results for high energy resolution H3D M400 cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and ORTEC Micro Detective high-purity germanium (HPGe) spectra of uranium isotopic standards collected at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) over a two-year measurement campaign. During the campaign, measurements were performed with the detectors unshielded, side shielded, and collimated. In addition, measurements of the uranium isotopic standards were performed unshielded and shielded.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

GADRAS-DRF for Safeguards (FY 2025 Mid-Year/Annual Report)

Task 1 – Extract GADRAS-DRF capabilities for a workflow intuitive to safeguards analysis. This task is almost complete. Significant improvements have been made to the functionality of customizing peak fits for use in the isotopics application, as well as peak-based FSA model analysis. The remaining tasks revolve around bug fixes, testing the application, and adding a density scroll bar to isotopics for real time analysis updates. The density scroll bar values will be reflected in summary tables and the self-shielding form accessed within isotopics.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Tool Kit for Generating Simulated Radiation Measurements for Advanced Reactor Safeguards and Security

A tool kit was developed to simulate and analyze passive radiation measurements of molten salt reactor (MSR) operations to support development of nuclear safeguards approaches for this emerging reactor technology. A Transient Simulation Framework of Reconfigurable Modules (TRANSFORM) multiphysics simulation of an MSR produces time-dependent isotopic inventories at user-selected locations within the model. The tool kit implements the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) application programming interface to inject the TRANSFORM isotopic inventories extracted/processed by a Python pipeline into GADRAS models of user-defined geometries. The TRANSFORM inventories are the source terms used to obtain synthetic measurements from GADRAS-defined detectors. The speed of TRANSFORM and GADRAS simulations enables surveying the large design space of MSRs (e.g., fuel type, fuel salt composition, number of loops) and the plethora of measurements (e.g., location, detector type, and collimation) within the reactor. This has enabled timely assessment of the various measurement locations and detectors to identify the most effective and efficient safeguards approach for a specific MSR design. Lastly, the tool kit also simulates extracted samples that can be aged to a desired dose, enabling stakeholders to optimize a measurement plan to use sample analysis as an element within a broader material accountancy plan.

Westphal, Greg↗

Minimum Resolution Requirements for Gamma Identification Algorithms

Each year there are millions of dollars spent on the research and production of high-resolution detectors. This research indicates that the pursuit of higher resolution detectors is not always necessary. The terminal resolution of a NaI detector, or highest detector resolution, at which identification algorithms fail to identify highly enriched uranium (HEU) was evaluated using GADRAS, Genie, and GammaVision. GADRAS employs a template matching algorithm, while Genie and GammaVision utilize a mathematical approach for peak search and identification. The NaI spectra utilized for evaluation were generated using the GADRAS Inject tab and source modeling functions. Each spectrum included terrestrial and cosmic background from Dallas, TX. The resolutions for each spectrum were increased from a default 8.92% to a point where each algorithm would fail to identify 235 U from a HEU source. Six different source configurations were used in this research: bare HEU, 50% shielded HEU, 90% shielded HEU, bare HEU with an interference source of 99 mTc, bare HEU with 99 mTc both shielded 50%, and bare HEU with 99 mTc both shielded 90%. T

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Gamma Spectrometry Code Rodeo for Uranium Enrichment—FY 2021 Report

In FY22, the participating Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories continued the work on the project “Gamma Spectrometry Code Rodeo for Uranium Enrichment”. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) continued their efforts to acquire spectra using uranium sources. A collimator (with side and back shields) was custom designed and constructed at ORNL. Spectra were acquired at ORNL using the uranium enrichment standards supplied by New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) and the collimated M400 detector. Spectra were also acquired using steel absorbers of different thickness placed between the source and the collimated M400 detector. The plan was to ship the collimator to LLNL so that spectra could be acquired using the LLNL detector in collimated geometries. This activity was suspended since problems were noticed with the performance of the LLNL M400 detector. Also, it was brought to light to the project team that some of the aspects of the M400 detector had been updated by the vendor H3D in response to requests by the IAEA. In February 2021, the ORNL and LLNL M400 detectors were returned to the H3D factory in order to resolve the problems with the LLNL detector and to update ORNL and LLNL detectors to the same configuration as the M400 supplied to the IAEA. H3D repaired the LLNL M400 and performed the IAEA updates on both the ORNL and LLNL detectors. ORNL and LLNL received the detectors in April 2021. Data acquisition was continued using the upgraded detectors. ORNL re-collected the spectra using point sources and the NBL standards in uncollimated and collimated geometries. The collimator was shipped from ORNL to LLNL. Spectra were acquired at LLNL through Q4 of FY22. When the ORNL spectra were examined closely, it became apparent that there were spurious artifacts present in some of the spectra. This rendered suspect the ORNL spectra collected in June/July 2021 time frame. ORNL contacted H3D and per H3D’s advice, the M400 detector was returned to H3D for repairs in mid-August 2021. H3D diagnosed the problem and established that the root cause was the extra tight packaging that created a strain on the CZT crystals, causing one of them to break down. The repaired M400 was returned to ORNL in early September 2021. ORNL re-started data acquisition for the third time. Data was continued to be acquired at ORNL and LLNL through September 2021. The ORNL and LLNL data will be shared with the principal investigators from the analyzing laboratories. The GADRAS code and FRAM have been developed to have the capability to analyze the M400 spectra. Good quality spectra from FY21 have been analyzed using modified versions of GADRAS and FRAM. The spectra have also been analyzed using the GEM code. The analysis results from GADRAS, FRAM and GEM codes are presented and discussed in this report. Some preliminary results from FRAM and GEM analysis were presented in February 2021 at the U-Pu Isotopics Workshop sponsored by the IAEA. CZTU code is being modified to analyze M400 spectra. Data collection, code development and analysis will be continued in FY22 as per the FY22 Project Work Plan (PWP).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Safeguards Technology Development Program: FY 2024 Mid-Year Report

This project has 2 major thrusts and 2 minor tasks – One of the major ones is a scoping study for improving uranium isotopics by analyzing higher energy, lower yield U-235 gamma emissions. The second major one benefits past projects such as auto-enrichment, and peak-based analysis routines previously added to GADRAS-DRF [1]. The two minor tasks involve an in-person or remote GADRAS-DRF training for the IAEA, and characterizing detectors of interest.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Rapid Gamma Simulations of TRISO Fuel Elements

As energy demand rises, nuclear energy, particularly from reactors that use tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuels, has gained attention due to the fuel’s enhanced resistance to radiation damage and high temperatures. This report investigates the modeling capabilities of the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) for TRISO fuels, focusing on the gamma signatures of TRISO particles, which have not been extensively explored. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code as a benchmark, we developed both homogeneous and heterogeneous models of TRISO pebbles to analyze gamma spectra. Our findings reveal that the homogeneous and heterogeneous models produced different gamma signatures. Additionally, the GADRAS heterogeneous model significantly reduces computation times compared to MCNP, enabling effective modeling of gamma signatures for safeguards applications. This advancement is essential for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in detecting anomalies and potential smuggling attempts in TRISO reactor fuel elements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Special Nuclear Geometric Modeling

This report is a summary of our summer interns project that focused on investigating the usefulness of the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) into the Material Control & Accountability (MC&A) Measurements Team. The project's findings highlight the advantages of using GADRAS and demonstrate its value in improving the MC&A Measurements Team's analytical capabilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗