ARUNA 2014

Undergraduate Measurements of Neutron Scattering Cross Sections

S. F. HicksDepartment of Physics, University of Dallas, Irving, Texas

75062 USA

In collaboration with

Jeff Vanhoy Department of Physics, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis,

Maryland 21402 USAand

Steve Yates and Marcus McEllistrem Departments of Chemistry and Physics & Astronomy,

University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506 USA

Research funded by Department of Energy through Grant # NEUP: NU-12-KY-UK-0201-05

U. Dallas, U. KY, and USNA Collaboration

ARUNA 2014

The University of Dallas -

• A Catholic Liberal Arts University in Irving, TX

• 1380 Undergraduate Students

• 40-42 Physics Majors

• Limited In-House Facilities for Research.

The Physics Department Faculty:• Dr. R. Olenick -Physics Education/Astronomy• Dr. J. Moldenhauer –Astrophysics and Cosmology • Dr. S. Hicks – Experimental Nuclear Physics

Undergraduate Research at the University of Dallas:

• B.S. requires a research project, an undergraduate thesis, and a talk at a professional meeting (56/60 B.S. in last 10 years)

• Outside research a necessity for students to fulfill the research requirement, e.g., NEUP research at the University of Kentucky.

Luke Kersting 2010Leslie Sidwell and Brett Combs

2012

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Elastic /Inelastic Measurement Project

Critical need for high-precision and accurate elastic and inelastic neutron scattering data on materials important for fission reactor technology. Once obtained the data are sent to data evaluators.

Critical need for trained individuals. (NEUP initiative puts undergraduate students on the right pathway to becoming scientists and engineers.)

Part of the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) to develop safe, clean, and affordable energy sources.

http://www.gen-4.org/Technology/evolution.htm

Goals of Gen IV:i) Saferii) Sustainableiii) Economicaliv) Physically Secure

Inelastic Neutron

Scattering

Energy Loss Mechanism

<http://nuclearpowertraining.tpub.com/h1019v1/css/h1019v1_69.htm.>

Fe*

Relative Detector Efficiency54Fe at En=3.0 MeV

Student Projects:

• Participate in measurements at UKAL• Analyze data sets, e.g., two or more

angular distributions of elastically and inelastically scattered neutrons and a detector efficiency

Solid line is ENDF model calculations

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University of Dallas students have participated in nuclear structure and neutron scattering measurements at UKAL since 1990.

Advantages:

• Students participate in all aspects of the measurements.

• A much better teaching environment than going to a more traditional user facility, e.g., the PSI.

• Projects are manageable in 10 weeks in the summer.

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University of Kentucky Modified Model CN VDG.

Experiments at the University of Kentucky provide students with many hands-on opportunities, including working on the accelerator.

Zach Santonil – EE U. of Notre Dame in Fall 2015.

Aaron French – ACS National Nuclear Summer School, NEUP Undergraduate Scholarship, U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association's National All-Academic Team.

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Statistics of Student Participants(18 years of funding- 31 students)

Advanced Degrees (3 students are double counted) Number Percentage

Physics Ph.D. (Ohio State, UTD, Nebraska, Wash U,) 4 12.9

Physics Ph.D. or Ph.D. Candidate (Vanderbilt, ?, ?) 7 22.6

Engineering Ph.D. (Michigan) 1 03.2

Engineering Ph.D. Candidate (Notre Dame, Princeton, TX Tech, Wisconsin,?,?) 6 19.4

Total Ph.D. 5 16.1

Total Ph.D. or Ph.D. Candidate 13 41.9

Terminal Masters (UNC, Syracuse, UTD, Chicago, Penn State, Hartford ) 6 19.4

Industry 5 16.1

Physicians or Physician Candidate 7 22.6

High School Teachers 3 09.7

Total Advanced Physics or Engineering Degrees or Degree Candidates 19 61.2

Total Advanced Degrees or Degree Candidates 26 83.9

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Conclusions

• UKAL is an excellent environment for undergraduate research

• Hands-on opportunities

• 84% of students have attained a Ph.D., M.S., or M.D.