Statistical Model Calculations of the ²³²U Fission Cross Section

A statistical model is used to interpret the available ²³²U(n,f) cross-section data in the neutron energy range from 0.003 to 7.4 MeV Below an incident neutron energy of ≈ 1 MeV, the nonthreshold energy dependence of the ²³²U(n,f) cross section is interpreted in a double-humped fission barrier model, the inner barrier of fissioning nucleus being ≈1 MeV lower than the outer one, as anticipated with the shell correction method calculation.