Theoretical spectrum-threshold detector data correlation in EBR-II

An experimental and computer program to further examine the neutron environment in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) has been completed. Monte Carlo and S₄ Transport methods were used to determine the neutron spectrum at various positions in the EBR-II core and blanket regions. Response functions for the threshold detectors ⁵⁸Ni (n, p) ⁵⁸Co and ⁵⁴Fe (n, p) ⁵⁴Mn were determined for each position and the corresponding predicted induced activities are compared with experimental results. Based on combinations of calculated neutron spectra, experimental detector responses, and cross section end points an empirical differential cross section was determined for the ⁴⁶Ti (n, p) ⁴⁶Sc threshold reaction. Spectrum averaged cross sections for the three threshold reactions which have been determined at various positions in this facility suggest that significant errors in fast neutron fluences will result if the usual fission spectrum averaged cross sections are used.