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Title: Beta and gamma decay heat measurements between 0.1s--50,000s for neutron fission of {sup 235}U, {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu. Final report, June 1, 1992--December 31, 1996

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/532606· OSTI ID:532606

This is a final reporting on the composition of separate beta and gamma decay heat measurements following neutron fission of {sup 235}U and {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu and on cumulative and independent yield measurements of fission products of {sup 235}U and {sup 238}U. What made these studies unique was the very short time of 0.1 s after fission that could be achieved by incorporating the helium jet and tape transport system as the technique for transporting fission fragments from the neutron environment of the fission chamber to the low-background environment of the counting area. This capability allowed for the first time decay heat measurements to extend nearly two decades lower on the logarithmic delay time scale, a region where no comprehensive aggregate decay heat measurements had extended to. This short delay time capability also allowed the measurement of individual fission products with half lives as short as 0.2s. The purpose of such studies was to provide tests both at the aggregate level and at the individual nuclide level of the nation`s evaluated nuclear data file associated with fission, ENDF/B-VI. The results of these tests are in general quite encouraging indicating this data base generally predicts correctly the aggregate beta and aggregate gamma decay heat as a function of delay time for {sup 235}U, {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu. Agreement with the measured individual nuclide cumulative and independent yields for fission products of {sup 235}U and {sup 238}U was also quite good although the present measurements suggest needed improvements in several individual cases.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Univ., Lowell, MA (United States). Radiation Lab.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-92ER40723
OSTI ID:
532606
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/40723-4; ON: DE97009425; TRN: 97:019428
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: [1996]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English