Measurement of (n, xnγ) reaction cross sections in W isotopes

Evaluated nuclear data bases currently used for numerical simulation for the development of nuclear reactors still present large uncertainties. Their improvement is necessary, in particular through better reaction models and nuclear data. Among the reactions of interest, (n, x n) reactions are of great importance for the operation of a reactor as they modify the neutron spectrum, the neutron population, and produce radioactive species. Experimental data on (n, x nγ) reaction provide strong constraints on nuclear reaction mechanism theories. Tungsten isotopes - which are deformed like actinides but do not fission - are of interest to test the models. 182,184,186 W(n, x nγ) cross sections are measured; results are compared with model calculations by TALYS, EMPIRE and CoH codes.