Investigations of the SAD design parameters for optimum experimental performance

A project of fast experimental accelerator driven system called SAD – Subcritical Assembly in Dubna – containing MOX fuel and driven by 660 MeV proton beam is described and analysed. It is shown by design calculations that the necessity exists for certain modifications, allowing for better reliability of measurements of system time characteristics. Different solutions such as: cadmium separation of the biological concrete shield, admixtures of B2O3 to the concrete and certain slowing down of neutrons were analysed. Experiments on a bare spallation targets were conducted and the production of radionuclides in the lead target were measured and compared with calculations.