The Neutron-Production Cross Section of 238Pu in a Fast Spectrum

Abstract
The production cross sections where α = σcf for 238Pu and 239Pu, have been compared in the fast neutron flux at the center of a bare spherical critical assembly of 239Pu. These quantities averaged by the fast-neutron spectrum indicate nearly the same properties for the even-even 238Pu nucleus as for the odd-even 239Pu nucleus. The ratio measured in a neutron flux peaked at 0.25 MeV with an average neutron energy Ē = 1.67 MeV is (238Pu)/ (239Pu) = 1.01 ± 0.06, and (238Pu) = 3.76 ± 0.23 b. The results of this study indicate that 238Pu metal probably has a critical mass of the same order of magnitude as 239Pu metal.

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