In the realm of nuclear physics and energy research, a team of scientists from the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) has made significant strides in understanding nuclear level densities. The researchers, S. Goriely, W. Ryssens, S. Hilaire, and A. J. Koning, have developed an improved method for calculating nuclear level densities, which are crucial for various applications in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear reactors and waste management.
The team’s work focuses on enhancing the accuracy of nuclear level density calculations by incorporating the triaxial Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov plus combinatorial method. This advanced approach allows for a more precise representation of nuclear ground states, accounting for spontaneous symmetry breaking and the potential triaxial deformation of nuclei. By doing so, the researchers have improved the intrinsic level density and collective correction, leading to more accurate predictions of nuclear behavior.
One of the key achievements of this research is the successful reproduction of experimental s- and p-wave neutron resonance spacings, matching the accuracy of the best global models currently available. The model also reliably extrapolates to low energies, where experimental data on the cumulative number of levels can be extracted. This agreement with experimental data, including those obtained from the Oslo method, validates the model’s reliability and accuracy.
The practical implications of this research are substantial. The team has made available total level densities for more than 8500 nuclei in a table format, facilitating practical applications in the energy sector. For nuclei with experimental s-wave spacings and sufficient low-lying states, renormalization factors are provided to simultaneously reproduce both observables. Additionally, the combinatorial method is used to estimate nuclear level densities at the fission saddle points of actinides and at the shape isomer deformation, further expanding the model’s utility.
The new nuclear level densities have been applied to the calculation of radiative neutron capture cross sections, and the results have been compared with those obtained using the previous combinatorial model. This comparison highlights the improvements and refinements achieved through the current research.
The research was published in the journal Physical Review C, a leading publication in the field of nuclear physics. The findings represent a significant advancement in the understanding of nuclear level densities, with direct applications in nuclear energy research and technology. By providing more accurate and reliable data, this work contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve nuclear reactor performance, safety, and waste management strategies.
In summary, the work of Goriely, Ryssens, Hilaire, and Koning represents a crucial step forward in nuclear physics, offering enhanced tools for the energy sector to better understand and utilize nuclear processes. Their research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical benefits for the development and implementation of nuclear energy technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.