Measuring neutron scattering cross sections for actinides

ORAL

Abstract

Cross sections and emission spectra of fast neutron interactions with actinides are crucial data inputs to models relevant to applications like nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Actinide elastic/inelastic neutron scattering cross sections are historically poorly constrained due to limited experimental data for these very challenging measurements that generally require neutron detection in high neutron background environments and large mass, radioactive actinide targets. A program of measurements tackling this need is underway at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL). The experiments utilize pulsed, monoenergetic neutron beams generated via the p(t,n)3He reaction and time of flight neutron detection with PSD scintillators. Results from initial test measurements on 238U and outlook for upcoming work will be presented.

*This work was performed under the auspices of the US DOE by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. Support for TUNL/Duke University provided by DOE/NP under contract DE-FG02-97ER41033. Ohio University support provided by DOE/NNSA under contract DE-NA0003883.

Presenters

  • Richard O Hughes

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

Authors

  • Richard O Hughes

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
  • Ching-Yen Wu

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
  • Stanimir P Kisyov

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
  • Darren L Bleuel

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
  • Werner Tornow

    • Duke University
    • Duke University & Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory
  • Calvin R Howell

    • Duke University
    • Duke University & Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory
  • Sean W Finch

    • Duke University
  • Collin R Malone

    • Duke University
  • Forrest Q Friesen

    • Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory
    • Duke University & Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory
  • T. N Massey

    • Ohio University