The Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section, focusing on its definition and significance in the context of particle interactions and energy distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a basic explanation of the Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section.
  • Another participant notes that the equation defining the term is straightforward, implying a technical understanding of the concept.
  • It is mentioned that cross sections depend on the energy of the particles, and averaging is useful for collections of particles with varying energies.
  • One participant reiterates that the averaging process involves the energy distribution of the particles, specifically the Maxwellian distribution.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the average is weighted by the Maxwell distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic concept of averaging cross sections over an energy distribution, but there is no consensus on the depth of understanding or implications of this averaging.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into the mathematical details or assumptions underlying the Maxwellian distribution or the specific applications of the averaged cross section.

parazit
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Hi,

Please forgive my ignorance but, can somebody please explain the Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section briefly and basically?

Thank you in advance.
 
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What don't you understand?
The equation defining this term is straightforward.
 
Cross sections are dependent on the energy of the particle in question. When dealing with a collection of particles at different energies, it is useful to get one number for the collection. This is done by averaging the cross sections over the energy distribution (Maxwellian) of the particles
 
mathman said:
Cross sections are dependent on the energy of the particle in question. When dealing with a collection of particles at different energies, it is useful to get one number for the collection. This is done by averaging the cross sections over the energy distribution (Maxwellian) of the particles

Thank you for your reply. So, there is nothing special. It is just the avarage of the cross sections over the energy.
 
The average, weighted by the Maxwell distribution.
 

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