Abstract
This chapter discusses various aspects of neutron radiation. Included in the chapter are detailed descriptions of the various sources, properties, and mechanisms of interaction of neutrons with matter. Calculations of relativistic and nonrelativistic velocity and wavelength are provided. The classification of neutrons according to their energies is described. Among the neutron sources discussed are spontaneous fission, neutron-induced fission, alpha particle-induced nuclear reactions, photon reactions, accelerator sources including nuclear spallation, nuclear fusion such as inertial-electrostatic confinement fusion and its applications. The energy liberated from neutron-induced fission is calculated. The chapter describes the mechanisms of interaction of neutrons with matter including elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, neutron capture, nonelastic reactions, and nuclear fission. The attenuation of neutrons by matter is described and calculations are provided. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the decay and lifetime of the neutron free of the confines of the atomic nucleus, and the decay energy of the neutron is calculated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
