In: Physics
Fission neutrons are thermalized in a pure Beryllium moderator at 427 oC. Determine the number of collisions (scattering reactions) needed to thermalize these neutrons, the macroscopic slowing down power, and the moderating ratio. The density of Beryllium is 1.82 g/cm3
Beryllium A= 7
microscopic cross sections s = 7.63 b
a = 0.0076 b
density = 1.82 g/cc
macroscopic cross section s = * Na/A *s = 1.82 * 0.602 E+24 * 7.63E-24 /7
= 1.194 /cm --- scattering
a = 1.82 * 0.602 E+24 * 0.0076E-24 /7
= 0.0012 /cm
slow down decrement = 1+ (/ 1- )ln where = (A-1)2 /(A+1)2 = 9/16
= 0.26
slow down power = *s = 0.26 * 1.194 = 0.3104
Moderating ratio = *s/a = 0.26 * 1.194/0.0012 = 258.7
is the average logarthmic energy loss ratio per collision
n = 1/ ln(Eo/En ) is number of collisions required for slowing down the neutrons
Eo = 2 Mev - fast neutron from the reactor.
En - thermal energy of neutrons at 427oC = 3/2 kT 3/2 * 8.617E-5 *(273+427) ev
= 0.009 ev
n = 1/0.26 * ln(2.0E+6/0.009) = 73.92
about 74 collisions are required to thermalise the fission neutrons to the moderator temp.