Characterization of the Thermalness of a Fissile System with a 2-Group Diffusion Theory Parameter

Abstract

Tabulation of critical data has commonly been done using the hydrogen to fissile atom ratio H/X. This does not account for the moderating contribution of other light nuclei in the system or for the absorption characteristics, important to the slowing down process. Using a two energy group diffusion theory analogy to the six-factor-formula, we define the parameter an appropriate parameter for defining moderation characteristics. This parameter adequately accounts for the important details of the slowing down process; resonance absorption, total system scattering and moderation, and the effective use of thermal neutrons. This study evaluates several low to moderate enriched uranium systems with several types of moderators. It utilizes the TWODANT transport code with the Hansen Roach 16 group cross sections and group collapse theory to develop appropriate system models and 2 group cross sections.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243065

Entities

People

  • Brent B. Bredehoft

Organizations

  • University of New Mexico

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Absorption Cross Sections
  • Diffusion
  • Diffusion Coefficient
  • Diffusion Theory
  • Equations
  • Fissile Materials
  • Fission
  • Fissionable Materials
  • Materials
  • Neutron Cross Sections
  • Neutron Reactions
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Nuclear Materials
  • Reflectors
  • Resonance Absorption
  • Resonance Escape Probability

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

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