Weighted delayed neutron fraction?

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Using a weighted average for the delayed neutron fraction (DNF) based on U-235 and U-238 is a valid approach, especially when specific data for the fuel enrichment is unavailable. The delayed fractions for these isotopes are similar, making this method reasonable for exploratory data analysis. However, significant differences arise when considering mixtures of Uranium and Plutonium, as Plutonium's DNF is much lower. The discussion emphasizes that this analysis is for informal purposes rather than serious applications. A request for reputable online resources for DNF data was also made.
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I am plotting the in-hour equation. For the delayed neutron fraction, I was thinking of using a weighted dnf for the particular U fuel enrichment of interest, ie combination of U235 & U238 dnfs, as I cannot look one up for this particular enrichment. Any comment on the “validity” or otherwise of this approach?

Btw, this is just for playing around with data & equations, not any kind of serious or real application. I am using dnf values from an old textbook which is adequate for my purposes but if you are aware of a reputable web resource for this kind of data I’d be grateful for a link.

Thanks for any input.
 
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curie said:
I am plotting the in-hour equation. For the delayed neutron fraction, I was thinking of using a weighted dnf for the particular U fuel enrichment of interest, ie combination of U235 & U238 dnfs, as I cannot look one up for this particular enrichment. Any comment on the “validity” or otherwise of this approach?

Btw, this is just for playing around with data & equations, not any kind of serious or real application. I am using dnf values from an old textbook which is adequate for my purposes but if you are aware of a reputable web resource for this kind of data I’d be grateful for a link.

Thanks for any input.
curie,

You can use a weighted average of the delayed fraction.

Additionally, you have two isotopes of Uranium with similar delayed fractions.

The place where this would really come into play is when you have a mixture of
Uranium and Plutonium because the the delayed fraction for Plutonium is about a
1/3 of what it is for Uranium; 0.2% vs 0.7% if I recall.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 

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