Study of Fission Neutron Spectra With High-Energy Activation Detectors

Author

James A. Grundl

Publication Date

6-6-1963

Abstract

The energy spectra of neutrons from the fission of U235, U233, and Pu239 have been studied with seven high-energy activation detectors covering the range 0.6 to 16 Mev. Interpretation is in terms of the Maxwellian spectral function E^1/2 exp(-E/T). By means of a unique cavity arrangement within a moderator to obtain pure thermal-neutron-induced fission neutrons, the average energies of the three spectra are found to be in the ratios

U235: U233: Pu239= (1): (1.016+or-0.003): (1.039+or-0.003).

Differences between the normalized spectra are most pronounced at high energies as exemplified by the relative Pu239:U235 flux ratios 1.17+or-0.013 for 611 Mev.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christopher Pratt Leavitt

Second Committee Member

Victor H. Regener

Third Committee Member

John Root Green

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Recommended Citation

Grundl, James A.. "Study of Fission Neutron Spectra With High-Energy Activation Detectors." (1963). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/phyc_etds/193