Design of an enhanced thermal neutron source for use in trace detection in substances or materials, through NAA method.• The thermal neutron irradiation system is using a 241 Am/ 9 Be source.• Different configurations of polyethylene cylinders were simulated to choose the one giving the highest thermal neutron flux.• The performance was evaluated with the MCNP6 code and validated with laboratory measurements with a miniature BF 3 detector.
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