Neutron Total Cross Section Measurements In The Energy Region From 47 Kev To 20 Mev

Neutron total cross sections were measured for 26 elements. Data were obtained in the energy range from 47 keV to 20 MeV for 11 elements in the range of light-mass fission products. Previously reported measurements for eight heavy and actinide isotopes were extended to 20 MeV. Data were also obtained for Cu (47 keV to 1.4 MeV) and for Sc, Zn, Nd, Hf, and Pt (1.8 to 20 MeV). The present work is part of a continuing effort to provide accurate neutron total cross sections for evaluations and for optical-model parameteriztions. The latter are required for the derivation of other nuclear-data information of importance to applied programs. 37 references.

Neutron measurements relevant to the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's (LASL) programmatic efforts and to the U.S. fission and fusion energy programs can be divided into four categories: secondary neutron emission cross sections on light elements, gamma-ray production cross sections, total cross sections on light isotopes, and (n,2n) and (n,3n) cross sections. Many of these measurements were performed using the unusual capabilities of the LASL's Van de Graaffs. This is especially true for the high energy (greater than or equal to 20 MeV) measurements on (n,2n) and (n,3n) cross sections. One describes briefly the four types of measurements, to illustrate each measurement with some examples, and to present any new data that are not as yet available in the literature. One also indicates in which programs new measurements are planned for the next year.

This is an authoritative compilation of information regarding methods and data used in all phases of nuclear engineering. Addressing nuclear engineers and scientists at all levels, this book provides a condensed reference on nuclear engineering since 1958.