The need for precise and well-documented experimental data on prompt fission neutron spectra from neutron-induced fission of 239Pu

Neudecker, Denise; Taddeucci, Terry Nicholas; Haight, Robert Cameron; Lee, Hye Young; White, Morgan Curtis; Rising, Michael Evans

doi:10.1016/j.nds.2015.12.005

Title: The need for precise and well-documented experimental data on prompt fission neutron spectra from neutron-induced fission of ²³⁹Pu

Journal Article · Wed Jan 06 00:00:00 EST 2016 · Nuclear Data Sheets

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nds.2015.12.005· OSTI ID:1247325

Neudecker, Denise ^[1]; Taddeucci, Terry Nicholas ^[1]; Haight, Robert Cameron ^[1]; Lee, Hye Young ^[1]; White, Morgan Curtis ^[1]; Rising, Michael Evans ^[1]

Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

The spectrum of neutrons emitted promptly after ²³⁹Pu(n,f)—a so-called prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS)—is a quantity of high interest, for instance, for reactor physics and global security. However, there are only few experimental data sets available that are suitable for evaluations. In addition, some of those data sets differ by more than their 1-σ uncertainty boundaries. We present the results of MCNP studies indicating that these differences are partly caused by underestimated multiple scattering contributions, over-corrected background, and inconsistent deconvolution methods. A detailed uncertainty quantification for suitable experimental data was undertaken including these effects, and test-evaluations were performed with the improved uncertainty information. The test-evaluations illustrate that the inadequately estimated effects and detailed uncertainty quantification have an impact on the evaluated PFNS and associated uncertainties as well as the neutron multiplicity of selected critical assemblies. A summary of data and documentation needs to improve the quality of the experimental database is provided based on the results of simulations and test-evaluations. Furthermore, given the possibly substantial distortion of the PFNS by multiple scattering and background effects, special care should be taken to reduce these effects in future measurements, e.g., by measuring the ²³⁹Pu PFNS as a ratio to either the ²³⁵U or ²⁵²Cf PFNS.

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Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-06NA25396

OSTI ID:: 1247325

Report Number(s):: LA-UR-15-25853; PII: S0090375215000708

Journal Information:: Nuclear Data Sheets, Vol. 131, Issue C; ISSN 0090-3752

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Cited by: 25 works

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