Measuring and validating neutron capture cross sections using a lead slowing-down spectrometer
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Authors
Thompson, Nicholas
Issue Date
2017-08
Type
Electronic thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Language
ENG
Keywords
Nuclear engineering and science
Alternative Title
Abstract
Data was collected as a function of time after neutron pulse, or slowing-down time, which is correlated to average neutron energy. An analog and a digital data acquisition system collected data simultaneously, allowing for collection of pulse shape information as well as timing. Collection of digital data allowed for pulse shape analysis after the experiment. This data was then analyzed and compared to Monte Carlo simulations to validate the accuracy of neutron capture cross section libraries. These measurements represent the first time that neutron capture cross sections have been measured using an LSDS in the United States, and the first time tools such as coincidence measurements and pulse height weighting have been applied to measurements of neutron capture cross sections using an LSDS. Significant differences between measurement results and simulation results were found in multiple materials, and some errors in nuclear data libraries have already been identified due to these measurements.
Description
August 2017
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
Full Citation
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY