Transmission measurements on natCu samples at GELINA

Περίληψη

Natural copper is a key structural material in critical assembly configurations and fusion reactor systems. Discrepancies observed between experimental and evaluated data for neutron-induced total cross-section measurements of the two stable copper isotopes (⁶³Cu and ⁶⁵Cu) highlight the need for new neutron transmission experiments on copper.
In this study, neutron transmission measurements were carried out at the GELINA facility of JRC-Geel using several samples composed of natural copper (^natCu). The objective was to validate the Resolved Resonance Parameters and total cross section of copper within the energy range of 1 to 100 keV. Data analysis was performed using the AGS code and following the guidelines described in Ref. [2] [3].
The obtained results were compared with the theoretical transmission factors, calculated using the JEFF-3.3 evaluated cross-section data and the REFIT code. The results indicate notable discrepancies, particularly at higher neutron energies, emphasizing the necessity for updated and more precise experimental data using thick targets. Such improvements would enhance nuclear data libraries and benefit various applications, including reactor design, safety assessments, and benchmarking studies, especially in contexts where copper serves as a structural material. The analysis methodology and corresponding results are presented and discussed.