Nuclear cross sections for nuclear energy

The role of nuclear data in the nuclear power question is discussed. Research in nuclear physics needed to improve the efficiency and safety of light-water reactors, which make up most of the 200,000 megawatts of generating capacity presently planned, is considered. Data needed for both fast-neutron and thermal-neutron breeder reactors also receive attention. The material is presented under the following diverse topics: taxpayer's benefit, light-water reactors, fission products, fast-breeder reactors, reactor safety, thermal breeding reactors, preventing fuel theft, and fusion reactors. As an example of how the precise determination of nuclear data can have important economic consequences, one may cite the fact that the cost of adjustment to 235U enrichment of the fuel that is required to compensate for a 1% uncertainty in the neutron-multiplication factor near the end of the life of a set of fuel elements is about $2,000,000 in a typical light-water reactor. 5 figures