Physics of neutron interactions with ²³⁸U: New developments and challenges

The latest release of the EMPIRE-3.1 system (codename Rivoli) is being used in the advanced modeling of neutron induced reactions on the ²³⁸U nucleus with the aim of improving our knowledge of neutron scattering. The reaction model includes: (i) a new rotational-vibrational dispersive optical model potential coupling the low-lying collective bands of vibrational character observed in even-even actinides, (ii) the Engelbrecht-Weidenmüller transformation allowing for inclusion of compound-direct interference effects enhanced by a dispersive treatment of the optical model potential, (iii) a multi-humped fission barrier with absorption in the secondary well as described within the optical model for fission, and (iv) a modified Lorentzian model (MLO) of the radiative strength function. Impact of the advanced modeling on elastic and inelastic scattering cross section is being assessed by both comparison with selected microscopic experimental data and integral criticality benchmarks (e.g. FLATTOP, JEMIMA and BIGTEN assemblies). Benchmark calculations provide feedback to improve the reaction modeling and reduce both model and model-parameters uncertainties. Additionally, neutron scattering yields on ²³⁸U measured accurately at RPI by the time-of-flight technique at 29, 60, 112 and 153 degrees have been used as a further constraint on the incident energy dependence of elastic and inelastically scattered neutrons. Improvement of scattering cross sections in existing libraries is discussed.