Fast-neutron-scattering cross sections in soft nuclei: 56Fe

Abstract

The neutron elastic, inelastic, and total cross sections in 56Fe are calculated in the energy range 1–5 MeV using the coupled-channel method and statistical Hauser–Feshbach theory. Reduced matrix elements for coupled-channel calculations were computed in the frame of the Davydov–Chaban model (DCM) including nonaxial hexadecapole modes. The DCM calculations are compared with those using the harmonic vibrational model and we prove that the first model is appropriate for this nucleus. Good agreement with experimental data is reached.