The Scattering of Slow Neutrons by Heavy Water: I. Intramolecular Scattering

A model for neutron scattering by heavy water is presented and calculations of total neutron scattering cross section based on the model show quite good agreement with experiment. Interference scattering between any two atoms of the same molecule is included and shown to be important in determining the angular distribution of scattered neutrons. The theory gives the scattering law from which the neutron spectrum in a reactor system may be determined, and there is good agreement with the experimentally determined scattering law.