Use of Computer Graphics in the Development of an Automated Neutron Cross Section Evaluation System

In order to analyze the increasing quantity of new experimental neutron cross section data from the present, highly automated, experimental facilities, new automated evaluation techniques are being developed. The extent to which automation has already affected the evaluation process has been previously described.(l) However, an unacceptable amount of manual effort is still required to produce an evaluated neutron cross section library for an isotope or element for use in nuclear reactor physics design. Hence, the greater portion of any evaluation is concerned with purely mechanical operations, leaving insufficient time for extensive evaluation of the available data and causing long delays between the generation of new data and its availability for use in reactor design studies.