Energy dependence of the epithermal neutron spectrum shape parameter α with respect to application of comparator-type NAA

The epithermal neutron spectrum shape parameter in nuclear reactors is explained from a theoretical point of view in terms of the neutron slowing down density function. The latter is approximated by Fermi's age theory. Values for are calculated for a simple approximation of a nuclear reactor: a disk shaped fission neutron source in an infinite graphite moderator. The model produces -values with the correct sign and magnitude, compared to experimental values from the literature, determined in a real reactor. It is shown that varies strongly with distance to the neutron source and less strongly with neutron energy. The inappropriateness of average -values, obtained from the slope of quasi-straight lines produced by log-log plots of E^– versus E, for the correction of non-ideal epithermal neutron activation is discussed. Conclusions are formulated concerning the impact of an energy dependent on comparator type NAA.