Monte Carlo calculation of epithermal neutron resonance self-shielding factors in wires of different materials

Epithermal neutron resonance self-shielding factors in wires of materials used as activation detectors or as targets for radionuclide production have been calculated using the MCNP code. The energy dependent self-shielding factor depends on the ratio scattering/capture cross sections. The self-shielding factors for cobalt and gold have been compared with available values. The self-shielding factor depends on various physical and nuclear parameters. However, an adimensional variable can be adopted that describes the self-shielding factors of different materials by a quasi “universal curve”.