Why is differential neutron flux commonly used in nuclear reactors?

AI Thread Summary
Differential flux is commonly used in nuclear reactor neutron flux spectra because it allows for easier comparison of spectra across different energy sampling intervals. This method provides detailed information about the energy distribution of neutrons, which is crucial for various analyses. Integral neutron flux, while also important, behaves differently and requires specific unfolding codes for accurate calculations. Tools like SANDP and STAYS’L are mentioned as potential resources for obtaining integral neutron flux data. Understanding the distinctions between these flux types is essential for effective reactor analysis and research.
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Hi,

Below are the neutron flux spectra of a nuclear reactor. In the first spectrum, y-axis is differential flux and in the second spectrum, y-axis is flux (created by multiplying differential flux by energy in MeV). As far as I have seen so far, differential flux is used commonly. I am just wondering that why it is like that. Is there an advantage for using differential flux instead of just flux?

dif_flux of BP#1.png
flux of BP#1.png


Thank you.
 

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Off hand, I would say it depends on what information you are looking for.
 
Hi
It permits to compare the spectra even if the sampling (delta E) is different
PSR
 
Hello, I have seen also in some papers Integral neutron flux. I am trying to obtain it just as unfolding codes as SANDP or STAYS´L do. If somebody knows how to do that calculations I will appreciate it. The behavior in the integral neutron flux is also different from those shown previously. Thank you very much
 
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