Different approach to calculating average angular distributions of elastically scattered neutrons in the resonance region

A relatively simple formalism for calculating the average neutron elastic angular distribution dσel/dΩ in the resonance region below several hundred keV is presented. The expression for dσel/dΩ depends mainly on the R-matrix parameters S0, R', S1, and R1∞. Comparisons between calculated and experimental angular distributions are presented for 103Rh, 139La, 232Th, and 238U. A fit to 238U data at 75 keV led to a value of the p-wave strength function of S1=1.81±0.35x10-4. Except for measuring a complete set of individual l=1 resonances, determining the p-wave strength function by fitting low-energy angular distributions is probably more reliable than, or competitive with, other techniques which are available. An analysis of elastic angular distributions as a function of neutron energy is also well suited to a search for intermediate structure in the s- or p-wave strength function. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society