Calculations of Nuclear Astrophysics and Californium Fission Neutron Spectrum Averaged Cross Section Uncertainties using ENDF/B-VII.1, JEFF-3.1.2, JENDL-4.0 and Low-Fidelity Covariances

TL;DR

This paper calculates and compares uncertainties in neutron spectrum averaged cross sections for nuclear astrophysics and californium fission, using multiple nuclear data libraries and covariance data, providing recommendations and analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive method for calculating and comparing cross section uncertainties across different nuclear data libraries and spectra, with new insights into covariance implications.

Findings

Uncertainties vary significantly across data libraries.

Comparison with experimental data highlights discrepancies.

Recommendations improve future covariance evaluations.

Abstract

Nuclear astrophysics and californium fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections and their uncertainties for ENDF materials have been calculated. Absolute values were deduced with Maxwellian and Mannhart spectra, while uncertainties are based on ENDF/B-VII.1, JEFF-3.1.2, JENDL-4.0 and Low-Fidelity covariances. These quantities are compared with available data, independent benchmarks, EXFOR library, and analyzed for a wide range of cases. Recommendations for neutron cross section covariances are given and implications are discussed.