Excitation functions and isotopic effects in (n,p) reactions for stable iron isotopes from reaction threshold to 20 MeV

The excitation functions for (n,p) reactions from reaction threshold to 20 MeV on four stable Iron isotopes viz; 54Fe, 56Fe, 57Fe and 58Fe were calculated using Talys-1.2 nuclear model code. This essentially involves fitting a set of global parameters. An excellent agreement between the calculated and experimental data is obtained with minimal effort on parameter fitting and only one free parameter called ‘shell damping factor’ has been adjusted. This is very important for the validation of nuclear model approaches. The systematic decrease in (n,p) cross-sections with increasing neutron number in reactions induced by neutrons on isotopes of iron is explained in terms of the pre-equilibrium model. The compound nucleus and pre-equilibrium reaction mechanism as well as the isotopic effects were also studied extensively.

► Good agreement between the calculated and measured data was observed. ► The Talys code has been used exclusively. ► By adjusting the shell damping factor, we have been able to obtain an excellent fit.