Differential cross section measurements of the scattering of monoenergetic neutrons incident on a 238U target

In the major actinides, neutron scattering cross sections can compete with the neutron-induced fission cross section for incident neutron energies of 1-6 Mev. However, due to the experimental challenges associated with measuring neutron spectra, the scattering cross sections are not as well known as those for fission. As such, neutron scattering cross sections are often a leading source of uncertainty in model predictions relevant to nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and stockpile stewardship. Recently, a campaign of experiments was commenced at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratories (TUNL) which is dedicated to measuring these important neutron scattering cross sections. I will give an overview of the measurements performed so far, which utilized monoenergetic neutrons between 2 and 5 MeV incident on a 29.28 mg 238U scattering target. I will also mention future plans for additional measurements.