Low Fidelity Covariances For Neutron Cross Sections On 57 Structural And 31 Heavy Nuclei In The Fast Region

We produced a large set of neutron cross section covariances in the energy range of 5 keV-20 MeV. The present set of data on 57 structural materials and 31 heavy nuclei follows our earlier work on 219 fission product materials and completes our extensive contribution to the low-fidelity covariance project (307 materials). This project aims to provide initial, low-fidelity yet consistent estimates of covariance data for nuclear criticality safety applications. The evaluation methodology combines the nuclear reaction model code EMPIRE which calculates sensitivity to nuclear reaction model parameters, and the Bayesian code KALMAN that propagates uncertainties of the model parameters to cross sections. Taking into account the large scale of the project, only marginal reference to experimental data was made. The covariances were derived from the perturbation of several key model parameters selected by the sensitivity analysis. These parameters refer to the optical model potential, the level densities and the strength of the pre-equilibrium emission. This work represents the first attempt ever to generate nuclear data covariances on such a large scale.

An extensive set of covariances for neutron cross sections has been developed to provide initial, low-fidelity but consistent uncertainty data for nuclear criticality safety applications. The methodology for the determination of such covariances in fast neutron region is presented. It combines the nuclear reaction code EMPIRE, which calculates sensitivity to nuclear reaction model parameters and the Bayesian code KALMAN to propagate uncertainty of the model parameters onto cross sections. Taking into account the large scale of the project (219 fission products), only partial reference to experimental data has been made. Therefore, the covariances are, to a large extent, derived from the perturbation of several critical model parameters selected through the sensitivity analysis. They define optical potential, level densities and pre-equilibrium emission. This exercise represents the first attempt to generate nuclear data covariances on such a scale.

We evaluated covariances in the neutron resonance region for capture and elastic scattering cross sections on minor structural materials, {sup 50,53}Cr, {sup 54,57}Fe and 6°Ni. Use was made of the recently developed covariance formalism based on kernel approximation along with data in the Atlas of Neutron Resonances. Our results of most interest for advanced fuel cycle applications, elastic scattering cross section uncertainties at energies around 100 keV, are on the level of about 7-10%.

Neutron Cross Sections presents the principles of cross-section measurement and use, as well as sufficient theory so that the general behavior of cross sections is made understandable. This compilation is a direct result of experiences connected with the collection and evaluation of cross-section data during the past eight years at ""Sigma Centre"", Brookhaven National Laboratory. Here, experimental results received from laboratories throughout the world are carefully evaluated and compiled in the curves and tables of the large volume Neutron Cross Sections, The most recent version of the compilation, known as BNL 325, appeared 1 July 1955, and Supplement 1 to BNL 325 was published on 1 January 1957. The compilation itself consists almost completely of cross sections at specific energies, shown in the form of curves or tables, with only brief explanatory texts. The text opens with discussions of the general properties of cross sections and principles of nuclear structure that are important to the understanding of cross-section behavior. Separate chapters follow that describe specific techniques for measuring cross sections along with experimental results involving fast neutrons, resonance neutrons, resonances in fissionable materials, and thermal neutrons.

A tabulation is made of total and elastic scattering cross sections together with Legendre coefficients for elastic angular distributions for neutron scattering by carbon, in the range 0.33 to 18.0 Mev.

An extensive set of covariances for neutron cross sections in the energy range 5 keV-20 MeV has been developed to provide initial, low-fidelity but consistent uncertainty data for nuclear criticality safety applications. The methodology for the determination of such covariances combines the nuclear reaction model code EMPIRE, which calculates sensitivity to nuclear reaction model parameters, and the Bayesian code KALMAN to propagate uncertainty of the model parameters to cross sections. Taking into account the large scale of the project (219 fission products), only partial reference to experimental data has been made. Therefore, the covariances are, to a large extent, derived from the perturbation of several critical model parameters selected through the sensitivity analysis. These parameters define optical potential, level densities and pre-equilibrium emission. This work represents the first attempt ever to generate nuclear data covariances on such a scale.