What is the macroscopic cross section for natural uranium to thermal neutrons?

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SUMMARY

The macroscopic fission cross section (ν∑f) for natural uranium to thermal neutrons is approximately 0.2274 cm-1 when modeled with UO2 and graphite moderation. This value is derived from the D&H tables, which provide essential data for reactor engineering. The discussion emphasizes the importance of neutron energy and atomic density, noting that the fission cross section varies based on the form of uranium used, such as elemental, alloy, or ceramic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of macroscopic cross sections in nuclear physics
  • Familiarity with neutron energy spectra, particularly thermal and fast neutrons
  • Knowledge of uranium isotopes, specifically U-235 and U-238
  • Experience with reactor modeling, particularly sub-critical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the D&H tables for detailed nuclear data on uranium
  • Explore neutron moderation techniques in reactor design
  • Study the differences between thermal, epithermal, and fast neutron fluxes
  • Investigate the properties and applications of UO2 in nuclear reactors
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear engineers, reactor physicists, and researchers involved in nuclear reactor design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Kirk Truax
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Hey all,

Does anyone happen to know the value of ν∑f for natural uranium? Here ν is the average number of neutron released from fission and ∑f is the macroscopic fission cross section of uranium.

Kirk
 
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I'll wager there's a CANDU reactor engineer aboard who knows.
.
 
Kirk Truax said:
Hey all,

Does anyone happen to know the value of ν∑f for natural uranium? Here ν is the average number of neutron released from fission and ∑f is the macroscopic fission cross section of uranium.

Kirk
Developing a value for ∑f depends on the atomic density, which depends on the form, e.g., elemental, alloy or ceramic. What form is one considering? The value of ν depends on neutron energy, and in a thermal spectrum, it will depend on U-235.
 
Astronuc said:
The value of ν depends on neutron energy,

Natural U being mostly this ,,
https://t2.lanl.gov/nis/data/endf/endfv-pdf/u238.pdf
upload_2017-5-24_8-44-58.png
 
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jim hardy said:
Yeah, but that's for fast neutrons. Fast neutrons from fission have a peak distribution around 1 MeV and the energy distribution falls off rapidly up to 10 MeV. With d+t fusion, one gets up to 14.1 MeV neutrons. To go higher, one pretty much needs 20+ MeV protons and spallation reactions.

The OP did mention whether he flux was thermal, epithermal or fast.
 
Astronuc said:
The OP didn't mention whether he flux was thermal, epithermal or fast.

Fixed it for you

old jim
 
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Astronuc said:
Yeah, but that's for fast neutrons. Fast neutrons from fission have a peak distribution around 1 MeV and the energy distribution falls off rapidly up to 10 MeV. With d+t fusion, one gets up to 14.1 MeV neutrons. To go higher, one pretty much needs 20+ MeV protons and spallation reactions.

The OP did mention whether he flux was thermal, epithermal or fast.
Hey guys,

You were right, I definitely did leave out that vital bit of information. I was simply looking for the macroscopic cross section for thermal neutrons. I was modeling a sub-critical pile with a large amount of graphite moderation. Turns out I was able to find a ν∑f for UO2 to thermal neutrons to be about 0.2274 cm^-1. This was from the good ole D&H tables.

Kirk
 
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