Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractIn this study, we present an extensive validation of the EMPIRE 3.2.3 nuclear reaction code predictions for the total neutron cross section of the long-lived minor actinide isotope curium-246 (Cm) in the intermediate energy range extending from the threshold energy to 10 MeV. Accurate knowledge of neutron-induced reaction cross sections is critical for the design and optimization of modern nuclear systems, including transmutation technologies aimed at reducing long-lived radioactive waste. Theoretical calculations using EMPIRE 3.2.3 were systematically compared with available experimental data to assess the predictive performance of the code. Our results show strong agreement with experimental measurements up to 1 MeV and offer robust extrapolations at higher energies where empirical data remain limited. In addition, comparisons with selected libraries of evaluated nuclear data further support the validity of the EMPIRE code in modeling total cross sections for Cm(n,tot) reactions. The improved correlation between theoretical predictions and experimental observations not only strengthens the reliability of EMPIRE in this energy regime, but also highlights its usefulness in guiding future measurements and informing the design of actinide transmutation devices. These results provide valuable insights for nuclear modeling and enhance the understanding of neutron-induced reactions on heavy actinides.Keywords: Cm (Curium-246), Neutron-Induced Reactions, Total Cross Section, EMPIRE 3.2.3, Actinide Transmutation.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Innocent Ogoh Echi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
