Parameter sensitivities in nuclear reaction cross-section calculations

The present work explores the relationships between measured neutron reacti on data and the parameters of nuclear models used to calculate comparable r esults as well as to interpolate and extrapolate into domains where measure ments are not feasible. In particular, dimensionless sensitivity parameters are exploited as a potential method for quantifying these relationships. A dimensionless sensitivity parameter is defined as the ratio of the fractio nal change in a calculated observable physical quantity to a specific fract ional change of a selected nuclear model parameter. The basic approach is d escribed and it is illustrated by considering several neutron activation re actions associated with stable isotopes of chromium. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.