Studies of 54,56 Fe Neutron Scattering Cross Sections
Elastic and inelastic neutron scattering differential cross sections and γ-ray production cross sections have been measured on 54,56 Fe at several incident energies in the fast neutron region between 1.5 and 4.7 MeV. All measurements were completed at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory (UKAL) using a 7-MV Model CN Van de Graaff accelerator, along with the neutron production and neutron and γ-ray detection systems located there. The facilities at UKAL allow the investigation of both elastic and inelastic scattering with nearly mono-energetic incident neutrons. Time-of-flight techniques were used to detect the scattered neutrons for the differential cross section measurements. The measured cross sections are important for fission reactor applications and also for testing global model calculations such as those found at ENDF, since describing both the elastic and inelastic scattering is important for determining the direct and compound components of the scattering mechanism. The γ-ray production cross sections are used to determine cross sections to unresolved levels in the neutron scattering experiments. Results from our measurements and comparisons to model calculations are presented.
Inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from excited states in 56Fe
Abstract Inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from 56Fe was studied at the photoneutron source nELBE. The neutron energies were determined on the basis of a time-of-flight measurement. Gamma-ray spectra were measured with a high-purity germanium detector. The inelastic scattering cross sections deduced from the present experiment in an energy range from 0.8 to 9.6 MeV agree within 15% with earlier data and with predictions of the statistical-reaction code Talys. In addition to the γ-ray production cross sections, level cross sections for the 2 + , 4 + and 6 + yrast states in 56Fe were deduced.
A global physics approach to transmutation of radioactive nuclei
A new physics approach is presented to evaluate the theoretical transmutation potential of different nuclear power systems (standard or advanced fission reactors and hybrid accelerator/sub-critical blankets). The nuclei to be transmuted are the transuranium (or transplutonium) isotopes produced in the irradiation of naturally occurring fuels (uranium or thorium) and the fission product isotopes. The analysis is based on an evaluation of neutronic constraints on the transmutation rates integrated over the life of the nuclide families, taking into account the overall neutron balance of the system being considered. This method allows a comparison of the potential of different systems and establishes physics limitations, particularly in the field of fission product transmutation.