Neutron transmission measurements and resonance analysis of molybdenum-96

J. M. Brown, A. Youmans, N. Thompson, Y. Danon, D. P. Barry, G. Leinweber, M. J. Rapp, R. C. Block, Rian Bahran

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Isotopes of molybdenum can be found as high yield fission products in nuclear power reactors, certain alloys of steel used in nuclear reactors, and proposed U-Mo nuclear fuels [1]. As computational power and accuracy rapidly increase, nuclear data becomes a greater fraction of the uncertainty in neutron transport calculations. This work is part of an effort to increase the accuracy of existing total cross section evaluations to improve the accuracy of computational simulations. Neutron transmission measurements were performed at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Gaerttner Linear Accelerator Center using the time-of-flight method with a metallic enriched 96Mo sample from 113 eV to 20 keV. In addition a method was developed to process data and to ensure the accuracy of the flight path length and neutron emission time using depleted uranium to validate resonance energies. Measurements in the mid-low energy region (113 eV - 4.8 keV) were performed at a 32 m flight path distance with a 6Li glass scintillation detector, and measurements in the mid-high energy region (4.5 keV - 20 keV) were performed at 100 m with an array of 6Li glass scintillation detectors. Using the R-matrix Bayesian fitting code SAMMY 8.0, previously identified resonances have been modified to appropriate spin groups, neutron widths, and energies. The s-wave strength function was found to be S0 = 0.82 ± 0.32, and the capture resonance integral RIγ is in agreement with the ENDF/B-VII.1 calculated value. These results agree with the values published in the Atlas of Neutron Resonances by Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication13th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators 2017, AccApp 2017
Subtitle of host publicationThe Expanding Universe of Accelerator Applications
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages426-435
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781510852198
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event13th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators 2017: The Expanding Universe of Accelerator Applications, AccApp 2017 - Quebec City, Canada
Duration: Jul 31 2017Aug 4 2017

Publication series

Name13th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators 2017, AccApp 2017: The Expanding Universe of Accelerator Applications

Conference

Conference13th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators 2017: The Expanding Universe of Accelerator Applications, AccApp 2017
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityQuebec City
Period07/31/1708/4/17

Keywords

  • Molybdenum
  • RPI
  • Resonance parameters
  • Total cross-section
  • Transmission

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neutron transmission measurements and resonance analysis of molybdenum-96'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this