R.L. Macklin

R-matrix analysis of the 239Pu neutron cross sections

Abstract 239Pu neutron cross-section data in the resolved resonance region were analyzed with the R-Matrix Bayesian Program SAMMY. Below 30 eV the cross sections computed with the multilevel parameters are consistent with recent fission and transmission measurements as well as with older capture and alpha measurements. Above 30 eV no suitable transmission data were available and only fission cross-section measurements were analyzed. However, since the analysis conserves the complete covariance matrix, the analysis can be updated by the Bayes method as transmission measurements become available. To date, the analysis of the fission measurements has been completed up to 300 eV.

R-matrix analysis of the /sup 239/Pu cross sections up to 1 keV

The ENDF/B-V representation of the /sup 239/Pu neutron cross sections in the resonance region is unsatisfactory: the single-level formalism is used, necessitating a structured file 3 contribution. Furthermore, Salvatores et al. have stressed the need to extend the resolved resonance region above the present ENDF/B limit of 300 eV for the calculation of Doppler effect and self-shielded group cross sections. The purpose of our work is to improve the representation of the /sup 239/Pu cross sections by using a multilevel formalism (which avoids the need for the file 3 contributions) and by extending the resolved resonance range from 300 up to 600 eV. The present resonance analysis is based on the Reich-Moore multilevel formalism and was performed with the Bayesian code SAMMY. The resonance parameters published in 1974 by Derrien were used as prior information. More than 200 levels and 1000 resonance parameters are included in the analysis.

Evaluation of the /sup 232/Th neutron capture cross section above 3 keV

This memo describes an evaluation of the /sup 232/Th neutron capture cross section in the neutron energy range from 3 keV to 20 MeV. Most existing differential measurements are reviewed, and some data are renormalized to current values of the standards. Several experimentally determined sets of average resonance parameters are also discussed. From 3 to 50 keV the evaluated cross section is described by a set of average statistical resonance parameters. Above 50 keV the evaluated capture cross section is a smooth curve which follows the trend of the most recent measurements. The evaluated capture cross section is compared with many measurements and uncertainty estimates are given.