The problem of creating and storing cross-section information in a problem where many nuclides are subjected to highly detailed temperature distributions and/or changing temperatures is considered. An approach involving interpolation between nuclear data libraries at various reference temperatures was investigated. Reference nuclear data libraries were obtained by Doppler broadening cross sections to the desired temperatures using the NJOY code system. Several interpolation schemes over various temperature intervals were studied. Interpolated values at intermediate temperatures were compared to NJOY Doppler broadened results for the same temperature. Errors relative to the Doppler broadened results were calculated in order to judge the suitability of the interpolation scheme and temperature interval. The total, elastic scattering, capture, and fission (if applicable) reactions for (sup 238)U, (sup 235)U, (sup 90)Zr, (sup 16)O, (sup 10)B and (sup 1)H were considered in this study, over a temperature range of 294 K to 811 K (approx 70 deg F to approx 1000 deg F). The study showed that cross sections can be interpolated within an accuracy of 0.1% over temperature intervals ranging from 111 K (200 deg F) for (sup 1)H, (sup 10)B, and (sup 16)O. Smaller intervals are required for nuclides with more complex resonance behavior. In the case of (sup 90)Zr, a 28 K (50 deg F) interval was required to reduce errors below 0.1%. Some values of the interpolated cross sections for (sup 238)U and (sup 235)U, remained greater than the target 0.1% relative error even with the 28 K (50 deg F) interval, suggesting a small interval is necessary for these nuclides.
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