Examination of thermal neutron scattering models for light and heavy water by comparison with diffusion and cross-section data

Abstract

rons by light and heavy water for use in reactor calculations is considered. The main criterion used for the models is that they should be in good agreement with measurements of the neutron diffusion coefficient, and an extensive review is given of experimental diffusion data for both light and heavy water. Various simple models are presented and compared with experimental measurements of diffusion parameters, total cross-section and, for light water only, the mean kinetic energy of the hydrogen atom. (auth)