Differential elastic scattering cross sections of Fe and Ni from 10 TO 700 keV

Abstract

Differential elastic scattering cross sections of neutrons from natural Fe and Ni were measured in the energy region between 10 and 700 keV. The measurements were made at six angles ranging from 30° to 150°, and the differential cross sections were determined relative to the known cross sections of natural Pb. The principal angular distribution results are presented in terms of the Legendre polynomial expansion coefficients as functions of energy. Two sets of coefficients corresponding to averaged values over 20 and 50keV are given. Comparisons are made with the available data on total and differential elastic scattering cross sections. The data are consistent with the interpretation that s-wave scattering is dominant throughout the region of measurement, while p-wave scattering becomes evident above 200 keV. There seems to be appreciable d-wave contribution above 400 keV. The gross features of angular distribution coefficients are characterized by resonant structure with widths of the order of 100 keV.