Uncertainties in Hauser-Feshbach Neutron Capture Calculations for Astrophysics

Journal Article · Sun Jun 15 04:00:00 EDT 2014 · Nuclear Data Sheets

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NDS.2014.07.044· OSTI ID:22436721

Kawano, T.; Little, H.

The calculation of neutron capture cross sections in a statistical Hauser-Feshbach method has proved successful in numerous astrophysical applications. Of increasing interest is the uncertainty associated with the calculated Maxwellian averaged cross sections (MACS). Aspects of a statistical model that introduce a large amount of uncertainty are the level density model, γ-ray strength function parameter, and the placement of E{sub low} – the cut-off energy below which the Hauser-Feshbach method is not applicable. Utilizing the Los Alamos statistical model code CoH3 we investigate the appropriate treatment of these sources of uncertainty via systematics of nuclei in a local region for which experimental or evaluated data is available. In order to show the impact of uncertainty analysis on nuclear data for astrophysical applications, these new uncertainties will be propagated through the nucleosynthesis code NuGrid.

• OSTI ID: 22436721
• Journal Information: Nuclear Data Sheets, Journal Name: Nuclear Data Sheets Vol. 120; ISSN NDTSBA; ISSN 0090-3752
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
ASTROPHYSICS
ENERGY-LEVEL DENSITY
GAMMA RADIATION
HAUSER-FESHBACH THEORY
NEUTRON REACTIONS
NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
STATISTICAL MODELS
STRENGTH FUNCTIONS