Fusion cross sections from Los Alamos R-matrix analyses

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6182036

Hale, G M

We have been using R-matrix theory many years at Los Alamos to describe reactions in light systems, especially those containing fusion reactions. The theory is ideally suited for describing the resonances that are usually seen in light-element reactions, and at the same time it builds in the correct energy dependence of the transition matrix elements at low energies by making explicit use of the solutions for the external parts of the interaction. Thus, the method gives reliable extrapolations to low energies for both neutron- and charged-particle-induced reactions. We will present here the results of analysis that have been done, or are in progress, for reactions in the four- and five-nucleon systems, containing the fusion reactions of major interest: T(d,n){sup 4}He, {sup 3}He,D(d, p)T, and D(d,n){sup 3}He. These analyses contain all possible types of data that have been measured for the two-body reactions of these systems, a method that we have found crucial for determining their true resonant structures, and for ensuring reliable R-matrix interpolations and extrapolations of even the cross-section data. Integrated cross sections will be presented in the form of astrophysical S-functions, as functions of center-of-mass energy, in order that their low energy behavior might be better displayed. In addition to the R-matrix results, we will also show earlier cross-section parametrizations by Duane and Peres that still are used widely within the function reactor community. Some severe shortcomings of these earlier data sets are revealed by comparison with modern measurements and with the R-matrix calculations. More details about these comparisons and useful representations of the R-matrix cross sections and their associated reactivities (<{sigma}v>) recommended for use in fusion reactor design are given in a paper by Bosch and Hale has been submitted for publication.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6182036
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-91-3358; CONF-9110261-2; ON: DE92002441
• Resource Relation: Conference: International Nuclear Energy Agency nuclear data committee meeting, Karlsruhe (Germany), 19-26 Oct 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
DEUTERIUM TARGET
DEUTERON REACTIONS
R MATRIX
HELIUM 3 TARGET
TRITIUM TARGET
CROSS SECTIONS
CHARGED-PARTICLE REACTIONS
MATRICES
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
TARGETS
700360* - Fusion Reactions- (1992-)
663510 - Nuclear Mass Ranges- A=1-5- (1992-)