161 research outputs found
Random-matrix approach to the statistical compound nuclear reaction at low energies using the Monte-Carlo technique
Using a random-matrix approach and Monte-Carlo simulations, we generate
scattering matrices and cross sections for compound-nucleus reactions. In the
absence of direct reactions we compare the average cross sections with the
analytic solution given by the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble (GOE) triple
integral, and with predictions of statistical approaches such as the ones due
to Moldauer, to Hofmann, Richert, Tepel, and Weidenm\"{u}ller, and to Kawai,
Kerman, and McVoy. We find perfect agreement with the GOE triple integral and
display the limits of validity of the latter approaches. We establish a
criterion for the width of the energy-averaging interval such that the relative
difference between the ensemble-averaged and the energy-averaged scattering
matrices lies below a given bound. Direct reactions are simulated in terms of
an energy-independent background matrix. In that case, cross sections averaged
over the ensemble of Monte-Carlo simulations fully agree with results from the
Engelbrecht-Weidenm\"{u}ller transformation. The limits of other approximate
approaches are displayed
Correlated Prompt Fission Data in Transport Simulations
Detailed information on the fission process can be inferred from the
observation, modeling and theoretical understanding of prompt fission neutron
and -ray~observables. Beyond simple average quantities, the study of
distributions and correlations in prompt data, e.g., multiplicity-dependent
neutron and \gray~spectra, angular distributions of the emitted particles,
-, -, and -~correlations, can place stringent
constraints on fission models and parameters that would otherwise be free to be
tuned separately to represent individual fission observables. The FREYA~and
CGMF~codes have been developed to follow the sequential emissions of prompt
neutrons and -rays~from the initial excited fission fragments produced
right after scission. Both codes implement Monte Carlo techniques to sample
initial fission fragment configurations in mass, charge and kinetic energy and
sample probabilities of neutron and ~emission at each stage of the
decay. This approach naturally leads to using simple but powerful statistical
techniques to infer distributions and correlations among many observables and
model parameters. The comparison of model calculations with experimental data
provides a rich arena for testing various nuclear physics models such as those
related to the nuclear structure and level densities of neutron-rich nuclei,
the -ray~strength functions of dipole and quadrupole transitions, the
mechanism for dividing the excitation energy between the two nascent fragments
near scission, and the mechanisms behind the production of angular momentum in
the fragments, etc. Beyond the obvious interest from a fundamental physics
point of view, such studies are also important for addressing data needs in
various nuclear applications. (See text for full abstract.)Comment: 39 pages, 57 figure files, published in Eur. Phys. J. A, reference
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Time-dependent properties of proton decay from crossing single-particle metastable states in deformed nuclei
A dynamical study of the decay of a metastable state by quantum tunneling
through an anisotropic, non separable, two-dimensional potential barrier is
performed by the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation.
Initial quasi- stationary proton states are chosen in the framework of a
deformed Woods-Saxon single-particle model. The decay of two sets of states
corresponding to true and quasi levels-crossing is studied and the evolution of
their decay properties as a function of nuclear deformation is calculated
around the crossing point. The results show that the investigation of the
proton decay from metastable states in deformed nuclei can unambiguously
distinguish between the two types of crossing and determine the structure of
the nuclear states involved.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.
Theoretical description of deformed proton emitters: nonadiabatic coupled-channel method
The newly developed nonadiabatic method based on the coupled-channel
Schroedinger equation with Gamow states is used to study the phenomenon of
proton radioactivity. The new method, adopting the weak coupling regime of the
particle-plus-rotor model, allows for the inclusion of excitations in the
daughter nucleus. This can lead to rather different predictions for lifetimes
and branching ratios as compared to the standard adiabatic approximation
corresponding to the strong coupling scheme. Calculations are performed for
several experimentally seen, non-spherical nuclei beyond the proton dripline.
By comparing theory and experiment, we are able to characterize the angular
momentum content of the observed narrow resonance.Comment: 12 pages including 10 figure
NUCLEAR DATA NEEDS FOR ADVANCED REACTOR SYSTEMS. A NEA NUCLEAR SCIENCE COMMITTEE INITIATIVE.
The Working Party on Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Nuclear Science Committee has established an International Subgroup to perform an activity in order to develop a systematic approach to define data needs for Gen-IV and, in general, for advanced reactor systems. A methodology, based on sensitivity analysis has been agreed and representative core configurations for Sodium, Gas and Lead cooled Fast Reactors (SFR, GFR, LFR) have been defined as well as a high burn-up VHTR and a high burn-up PWR. In the case of SFRs, both a TRU burner (called in fact SFR) and a core configuration with homogeneous recycling of not separated TRU (called EFR) have been considered
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AFCI-2.0 Library of Neutron Cross Section Covariances
Neutron cross section covariance library has been under development by BNL-LANL collaborative effort over the last three years. The primary purpose of the library is to provide covariances for the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) data adjustment project, which is focusing on the needs of fast advanced burner reactors. The covariances refer to central values given in the 2006 release of the U.S. neutron evaluated library ENDF/B-VII. The preliminary version (AFCI-2.0beta) has been completed in October 2010 and made available to the users for comments. In the final 2.0 release, covariances for a few materials were updated, in particular new LANL evaluations for {sup 238,240}Pu and {sup 241}Am were adopted. BNL was responsible for covariances for structural materials and fission products, management of the library and coordination of the work, while LANL was in charge of covariances for light nuclei and for actinides
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