Study of Photon Strength Function of Actinides : the Case of U-235, Np-238 and Pu-241

The decay from excited levels in medium and heavy nuclei can be described in a statistical approach by means of Photon Strength Functions and Level Density distributions. The study of electromagnetic cascades following neutron capture based on the use of high efficiency detectors has been shown to be well suited for probing the properties of the Photon Strength Function of heavy (high level density) and/or radioactive (high background) nuclei. In this work we have investigated for the first time the validity of the recommended PSF of actinides, in particular U-235, Np-238 and Pu-241. Our study includes the search for resonance structures in the PSF below S-n and draws conclusions regarding their existence and their characteristics in terms of energy, width and electromagnetic nature.Peer reviewe

Neutron Capture Measurements on Minor Actinides at the n_TOF Facility at CERN : Past, Present and Future

The successful development of advanced nuclear systems for sustainable energy production and nuclear waste management depends on high quality nuclear data libraries. Recent sensitivity studies and reports [1-3] have identified the need for substantially improving the accuracy of neutron cross-section data for minor actinides. The n_TOF collaboration has initiated an ambitious experimental program for the measurement of neutron capture cross sections of minor actinides. Two experimental setups have been constructed for this purpose: a Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) [4] for measuring neutron capture cross-sections of low-mass and/or radioactive samples and a set of two low neutron sensitivity C(6)D(6) detectors for the less radioactive materials.Peer reviewe

Challenge in the aerospace university classroom

Challenging problems and research have been considered as vital components of Aerospace Engineering curricula. Some Engineering, Computer Science, and Math Courses in American colleges have been analyzed to find positive factors that would be helpful in mutually beneficial cooperation between colleges and industry. The analysis of traditional and modern applications of the course concepts [design of a hypersonic vehicle, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, anisotropic media and liquid crystals, properties of Martian atmospheric gases, non-monotone aerodynamic coefficients of simple-shape bodies, etc.] and ways of collaboration between industry and universities have been discussed. Students ’ “mistakes” have been reviewed allowing to generate new research ideas and numerical algorithms, as well as to discover new physical phenomena. Challenge in the classroom allows motivating students in the analysis of modern engineering concepts, developing strong background and research skills, finding unique solutions of new problems, and preparing students for success and surviving in industrial environment