Measurements of the Effective Delayed-Neutron Fraction in Two Fast Critical Experiments

S. G. Carpenter; J. M. Gasidlo; J. M. Stevenson

doi:dx.doi.org/10.13182/NSE72-2

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Home / Publications / Journals / Nuclear Science and Engineering / Volume 49 / Number 2

Measurements of the Effective Delayed-Neutron Fraction in Two Fast Critical Experiments

S. G. Carpenter, J. M. Gasidlo, J. M. Stevenson

Nuclear Science and Engineering / Volume 49 / Number 2 / October 1972 / Pages 236-239

Technical Note / dx.doi.org/10.13182/NSE72-2

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The effective delayed-neutron fractions of ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu have been determined for two fast critical assemblies from measurements of the absolute fission rate and the apparent reactivity worths of a calibrated ²⁵²Cf neutron source. The experimental values of β_eff for the two fissile isotopes, 0.0078 to 0.00233, respectively, are in reasonable agreement with calculations. The results do not explain the 30% discrepancy in measured and calculated reactivity values in fast critical experiments.