Fission product beta and gamma energy release quarterly progress report for October--December 1977. [Thermal fission of /sup 239/Pu]

Beta-ray and gamma-ray energy-release data for thermal-neutron fissioning of the fuel element /sup 239/Pu, obtained for waiting times 2 < or = to t/sub w/ < or = to 14000 s, were processed to give modest resolution beta-ray and gamma-ray spectra vs t/sub w/. These spectra were integrated to give integral beta-ray and gamma-ray energy-release data. These experimental data sets are reported in tabular form and in graphical form, and are compared to predictions based upon summation calculations. Differences of up to approximately 30% between calculated and experimental values are observed. Total energy-release data were obtained by summing the beta-ray energy-release data with the gamma-ray energy-release data; these are compared with predictions based upon summation calculations. Although these comparisons are generally favorable, differences are observed particularly for 200 < or = to t/sub w/ < or = to 1500 s; hence, further evaluation of the basic data files may be required. 5 figures, 3 tables.