Microscopic neutron scattering cross-sections for reactor design

Results obtained from a comprehensive experimental study of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering are reported. The incident neutron energy interval is 0.3 to 1.5 MeV and scattering from 50 elements extending from Be to U is investigated. Fast neutron time-of-flight techniques including a multi-angle detector system and fully automated computer control are utilized to achieve a good scattered neutron resolution. Differential elastic and inelastic scattering cross-sections are determined at eight or more angles at incident neutron energy intervals of 50 keV or less. The elastic angular distributions are expressed as Legendre expansions of up to six terms. The observed differential inelastic cross-sections are integrated to obtain the respective inelastic excitation cross-sections. The experimental results are compared with optical model Hauser-Feshbach calculations and it is shown that interpolations of experimental values, based on the model, are valid. Experimental evidence for intermediate resonance structure, width fluctuation effects and nuclear deformation is presented. The influence of each on calculation is illustrated. (author)