Journal of Modern Classical Physics & Quantum Neuroscience

Abstract

This study presents a theoretically grounded approach for computing intermediate-energy neutron–nucleus cross sections using an analytically simplified Ramsauer model. Building on the optical model and employing the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation, compact expressions for scattering, total, and reaction (removal) cross sections are derived under the assumption of an angular-momentum-independent complex phase shift. Calculations for representative light and heavy nuclides (¹²C, ¹⁶O, ¹⁰⁷Ag, and ²³⁵U) are benchmarked against ENDF/B-VIII.0 data over 0.25–2 MeV.Relative error analysis indicates that the model reproduces the overall energy dependence of the scattering cross section, σ_sc, with mean deviations of 15–45%, while σ_r is systematically overestimated—most strongly for light nuclei where evaluated data indicate negligible absorption. For ²³⁵U, the model preserves the correct energy trend but requires parameter tuning to match evaluated magnitudes.From an application standpoint, these findings are directly relevant to fast-spectrum and epithermal portions of Generation IV reactor systems (e.g., SFR/LFR/GFR), where intermediate-energy transport in structural materials, reflectors, and coolant/moderator constituents affects spectrum shaping, leakage, and reactivity feedback. If used without calibration, an overestimated removal term can bias neutron balance predictions, leading to conservative estimates of flux distributions and k_eff, and affecting computed reaction-rate ratios and material worth. In radiation shielding for fast reactors—such as vessel, reflector, and containment shielding, and streaming paths through penetrations-the same bias can produce overly conservative attenuation and shift predicted spectral hardening, influencing thickness optimization and dose/activation estimates.