Abstract

The cross section for the $^{238}\mathrm{U}(n,2n)^{237}\mathrm{U}$ reaction has been measured in the incident neutron energy range from 6.5 to 14.8 MeV in small energy steps using an activation technique. Monoenergetic neutron beams were produced via the $^{2}\mathrm{H}(d,n)^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{3}\mathrm{H}(d,n)^{4}\mathrm{He}$ reactions. $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ targets were activated along with Au and Al monitor foils to determine the incident neutron flux. The activity of the reaction products was measured in TUNL's low-background counting facility using high-resolution $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy. The results are compared with previous measurements and latest data evaluations. Statistical-model calculations, based on the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, have been carried out using the ${\mathrm{CoH}}_{3}$ code and are compared with the experimental results. The present self-consistent and high-quality data are important for stockpile stewardship and nuclear forensic purposes as well as for the design and operation of fast reactors.

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