Modeling and Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Sections for Americium

Neutron-induced fission cross sections for eight americium isotopes (A = 239 to 244) are predicted with the nuclear reaction model code EMPIRE-2.19. The code incorporates advanced fission modeling, presented by describing the implementation of barrier penetration, transmission mechanism, and decay probabilities. The fission cross-section calculations for americium isotopes are compared to experimental data and evaluations from the ENDF/B-VI.8, JEFF-3.1, JENDL-3.3, or preliminary ENDF/B-VII libraries when available. An analysis of the first and second fission barrier heights validates the existing systematic trend for odd and even neutron numbers.