Improving nuclear data for iron: results and outlook from GELINA experiments

Jul 2, 2026, 10:40 AM
20m

Speaker

Georgios Gkatis (EC-JRC)

Description

Accurate neutron-induced reaction data on iron are essential for both fundamental nuclear physics and a wide range of applications, particularly in nuclear energy systems where iron is a major structural material. Despite its importance, discrepancies among evaluated nuclear data libraries and remaining experimental gaps, especially in the fast neutron energy region, limit the reliability of simulations for advanced reactor concepts.
To address these issues, comprehensive experimental campaigns have been carried out at the GELINA facility over the last few years, targeting key neutron-induced reactions on iron isotopes. Neutron elastic scattering angular distributions have been measured on natFe, 54Fe, and 56Fe using the ELISA spectrometer, enabling the extraction of differential and angle-integrated cross sections over a broad energy range. Additionally, inelastic scattering measurements have been performed on 54Fe, 56Fe, and 57Fe using the GAINS array, as well as on 57Fe with the GRAPhEME setup, providing detailed information on excited nuclear states.
Moreover, neutron transmission measurements on natural iron samples of varying thicknesses have been conducted to constrain total cross sections, while neutron capture measurements further complement the reaction database. The combination of these experimental approaches allows for a consistent and comprehensive investigation of neutron interactions with iron across multiple reaction channels.
In this contribution, an overview of the experimental program, analysis methodologies, and selected results will be presented, highlighting their impact on the improvement of evaluated nuclear data libraries. The outlook for ongoing and future measurements will also be discussed, with emphasis on reducing remaining uncertainties and resolving discrepancies in existing evaluations.

Session Microscopic and Integral Measurements

Author

Georgios Gkatis (EC-JRC)

Co-authors

Dr Adina Coman (IFIN-HH) Dr Philippe Dessegne (CNRS) Dr Maria Diakaki (NTUA) Dr Greg Henning (CNRS) Dr Maëlle Kerveno (CNRS) Dr Stefan Kopecky (EC-JRC) Dr Alexandru Negret (IFIN-HH) Dr Gilles Noguere (CEA) Dr Markus Nyman (UoH) Dr Andrea Oprea (EC-JRC) Dr Carlos Paradela (EC-JRC) Dr Elisa Pirovano (PTB) Dr Arjan Plompen (EC-JRC) Dr Peter Schillebeeckx (EC-JRC)

Presentation materials