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Neutron capture cross section of /sup 240/Pu. [200 eV to 350 keV]

Journal Article · · Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7318967

The average /sup 240/Pu capture cross section was measured from 200 eV to 350 keV. The cross section was normalized at thermal-neutron energies (0.02 to 0.03 eV), and this normalization was confirmed at the 1.06-eV resonance by the black resonance technique. The source of pulsed neutrons was the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator. The capture gamma-ray detector used was the ''total energy detector,'' which is a modification of the Moxon-Rae detector. The shape of the neutron flux was measured relative to the /sup 10/B(n,..cap alpha..) cross section up to 2 keV and the /sup 6/Li(n,..cap alpha..) cross section at higher neutron energies. The results of the measurement define the average capture cross section of /sup 240/Pu over a wide neutron energy range to an accuracy of approximately 8 percent, which is significantly better than previously known. The results indicate that the ENDF/B-IV evaluation is approximately 25 percent low above 30-keV neutron energy. The cross section is important in fast plutonium-fueled reactors.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
OSTI ID:
7318967
Journal Information:
Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 63:2; ISSN NSENA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English