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The way a reactor works and the theory behind nuclear reaction?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
A nuclear reactor is composed of several parts:
- Fuel - fissionable material, typically enriched Uranium
- Moderator - material to rapidly slow fast fission produced neutrons to thermal neutrons, to prevent too many from being captured by non-fissionable Uranium-238 (not used in fast reactors using HEU fuel).
- Control rods - boron or cadmium rods that absorb excess neutrons, they can be inserted or removed to adjust the reaction rate.
- Coolant - any material to carry heat out of the core (e.g. water, liquid metals, air).
- Emergency systems - SCRAM system for emergency reaction shutdown, emergency cooling system to remove decay heat from core after SCRAM, etc.
- Operator instrumentation and controls - allows operators to interact with the reactor remotely.
A nuclear fission chain reaction happens when fissionable fuel Uranium-235 or Plutonium captures a thermal neutron. It quickly splits into two fission fragments and 2 to 6 fast neutrons (the average being between 2 to 3 neutrons). The moderator slows the fast neutrons to thermal neutrons and the reaction continues.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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What is the theory behind the process of nuclear power plants?
The controlled nuclear chain reaction process, as developed in 1939 by Leo Szilard and patented, then verified experimentally in 1942 by Enrico Fermi on the CP-1 graphite pile reactor.
What has the author Herbert S Isbin written?
Herbert S. Isbin has written: 'Introductory nuclear reactor theory' -- subject(s): Nuclear reactions, Nuclear reactors
What has the author C E Iliffe written?
C. E. Iliffe has written: 'An introduction to nuclear reactor theory' -- subject(s): Nuclear reactors
What makes sodium?
Sodium is an element and therefore in the strictest sense can not be made. However, in theory it could be made in a nuclear reactor.
Is there a possibility to turn lead into gold?
In theory yes in a nuclear reactor. The resultant would have cost ridiculous amounts of money and be radioactive.
What education is required to be a nuclear reactor developer?
Depends on how do you want it. If you want to advance the theory behind all the engineering, a Ph.D in nuclear physics is a must; better if you're a professor. If you want to write projects based on theories you learn from above specialists, you must have a Ph.D in nuclear engineering and architecture, as well as hydrophysics and mechanics of materials degrees.
Who is author of nuclear reactor time bomb?
The "nuclear reactor time bomb" theory was popularized by author and scientist Amory Lovins in the 1970s. Lovins argued that nuclear reactors posed safety risks and could lead to catastrophic accidents or intentional sabotage, likening them to a ticking time bomb.
Who had the theory of harnessing nuclear energy?
Several people, but the most successful was the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi. He built and tested the very first Nuclear reactor on December 2nd 1942 on the University of Chicago campus in a squash court. The reactor was called "Chicago pile no. 1"
What has the author Paul Frederick Zweifel written?
Paul Frederick Zweifel has written: 'Reactor Physics' -- subject(s): Neutron transport theory, Nuclear reactors
What is Fermi famously known for?
Enrico Fermi is known for developing the first nuclear reactor. He is also known for his contributions to quantum theory, nuclear physics and statistical mechanics. He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1938.
How does atombomb work?
An atom bomb works by a nuclear chain reaction under the theory of E=mc2.
What is cascade theory?
Cascade theory is a concept in physics and engineering that describes a series of interconnected events or processes that trigger subsequent events in a chain reaction. In the context of nuclear physics, cascade theory refers to the successive emission of particles or radiation following a primary nuclear reaction. It is also used in control theory to explain how disturbances in a system can propagate and amplify throughout the system.
