Theoretical description of prompt fission neutron multiplicity and spectra

TL;DR

This paper compares two models, Point by Point and Monte Carlo, for describing prompt fission neutron multiplicity and spectra, including their implementation, results, and intercomparison.

Contribution

It provides a detailed theoretical description and comparison of the PbP and Monte Carlo models for prompt fission neutron emission, including new developments in the FIFRELIN code.

Findings

Consistent results between PbP and Monte Carlo models for various fissioning systems.

Enhanced FIFRELIN code with energy-dependent cross sections.

Insights into neutron spectra and multiplicity for different isotopes.

Abstract

The present work concerns two successful models used today: Point by Point (PbP) and the Monte Carlo approaches. The description of the PbP model and of the extended Los Alamos model for higher energies that takes into account the secondary chains and ways is given in Chapter II. In this chapter are given also examples of PbP and most probable fragmentation approach calculations for various quantities which characterize prompt emission: multi-parametric matrices, quantities as a function of fragment mass, quantities as a function of the TKE and total average quantities, for different spontaneous and neutron induced fissioning systems. Special care was given to the TXE partition between the fully accelerated fission fragments, two partition methods used in the PbP model being discussed in details. In Chapter III is given the description of the Monte Carlo treatment included in the FIFRELIN code. Only those aspects that differ from the PbP treatment are emphasized. A special attention is given to the latest developments of the code concerning the inclusion of the energy dependent compound nucleus cross section of the inverse process of neutron evaporation from fragments. In this chapter examples of calculation with the FIFRELIN code for the case of the standard fissioning system 252Cf(SF) are given. Original results for several plutonium spontaneous fissioning systems (236,238,240,242,244Pu) and one neutron induced fissioning system (239Pu(nth,f)) obtained with both PbP and Monte Carlo treatments are given in Chapter IV. The last chapter includes an overview of the most important conclusions resulting from the intercomparison of the results obtained with both treatments in chapter IV.