Neutron Elastic and Inelastic Scattering Cross Sections for ⁵¹V

Neutron scattering cross sections are crucial for fundamental physics research and advanced nuclear applications. One application of interest is the use of vanadium alloys as fuel jackets and structural elements for liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactors. This project focuses on measuring the neutron elastic and inelastic differential scattering cross sections for ⁵¹V at incident neutron energies of 3.0 and 4.0 MeV. The experiments were performed at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory, where the 7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator produced a 533-ns pulsed neutron beam that enabled measurement of the time-of-flight of the scattered neutrons from ^natV samples to the neutron detectors. The entire detection system is mounted on a rotatable goniometer that enables measurement of scattering angles ranging from 70 to 154 degrees. Measurements were also made using a ^natC sample to validate results with the well-known elastic neutron scattering cross section of ¹²C. Data were recorded using a new data acquisition system composed of CAEN V1730SD and V1782 modules, controlled by CoMPASS software, with ROOT-based analysis software. We will present preliminary cross section results for E_n = 3.0 MeV and 4.0 MeV.