Theoretical estimates of cross sections for neutron–nucleus collisions

We construct an analytical model derived from nuclear reaction theory and having a simple functional form to demonstrate the quantitative agreement with the measured cross sections for neutron induced reactions. The neutron–nucleus total, reaction and scattering cross sections, for energies ranging from 5 to 700 MeV and for several nuclei spanning a wide mass range are estimated. Systematics of neutron scattering cross sections on various materials for neutron energies up to several hundred MeV are important for ADSS applications. The reaction cross sections of neutrons are useful for determining the neutron induced fission yields in actinides and pre-actinides. The present model based on nuclear reaction theory provides good estimates of the total cross section for neutron induced reaction.

► We present a model to estimate cross sections for neutron induced reactions.
► The drawback of the derivation for average path length of neutron inside the nucleus of an often quoted paper is discussed and corrected.
► The parameter set for the present model has an advantage as phenomenological optical model potentials are limited up to 150–200 MeV.
► The present model provides good estimates of the total cross sections of neutron induced reactions for several nuclei, particularly at high energies.