Estimation of the Yield of “Scission” Neutrons from Thermal Neutron-Induced Fission of 239Pu

Abstract

Results of investigations of the angular and energy distributions of prompt neutrons from ²³⁹Pu fission observed on WWR-M type research reactor (Gatchina) are presented. Peculiarities observed in both angular and energy distributions of prompt neutrons can be explained by assuming the existence of neutrons emitted near the instant of fissioning nucleus rupture. Anisotropy of the angular distribution of prompt neutrons in the frame of the center of mass of fission fragments (ψ(0°)/ψ(90°) ≈ 1.07–1.09) should also be taken into consideration.