$sup 54$Fe neutron elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections from 5.50 to 8.50 MeV

Abstract

Measured /sup 54/Fe neutron elastic scattering cross sections and cross sections for inelastic scattering to 7 discrete levels or groups of levels in / sup 54/Fe in the incident neutron energy range from 5.50 to 8.50 MeV are presented. The elastic data are in good agreement with natural iron results. Inelastic scattering to the 1.409 MeV level shows evidence of direct reaction contributions at the higher incident neutron energies. ENDF/B III MAT 1180 natural iron cross sections for inelastic scattering to the 1.409 MeV level in / sup 54/Fe are higher by a factor of 2 than these data. Cross sections for inelastic scattering to levels in the residual nucleus of excitation energy greater than 4.29 MeV are presented as continuum cross sections. It is found that an evaporation model of continuum inelastic scattering is adequate above 6.2 MeV excitation energy but is questionable in describing inelastic scattering to lower-lying levels. (auth)