Specifying the diameter of fuel rods (1 cm) does not really allow estimates of the length of the reactor core in which they are used. (How many rods in a fuel bundle, and how many fuel bundles in the core?) Keep in mind that the core will end up in a shape that is engineered to use the fuel most efficiently. This means that really short and fat core geometry is out, and so is long skinny geometry. The ideal core shape will probably end up roughly cylindrical, and perhaps with it being roughly as long as its diameter. If you have a lot of fuel rods in a lot of fuel bundles, then they will be longer than a more modest amount of fuel rods in a smaller number of bundles. A reactor core in a shape that approximates a soda can or tuna can is going to be avoided, and a shape somewhat more like a soup can is better. Of the first two, the former would be a bit too long, and the latter too short. The "soup can" geometry will support better operation, more even fuel burn, and more desirable operating characteristics.
The length of time we see fuel rods left in the core of a reactor will depend on the time it takes to deplete the nuclear fuel in those rods. Reactor design, specifically fuel rod design, and the rate at which the fuel is consumed during operation all have an effect. Typical life of the fuel in a nuclear reactor at a power station is several years.
The fuel rods in a nuclear reactor system contain uranium. This uranium undergoes a nuclear reaction, generating heat used to produce electricity.
Nuclear fission occurs in the reactor core of a nuclear reactor. This is where nuclear fuel, typically uranium, is arranged in such a way that it sustains a chain reaction of splitting atoms, releasing energy in the process.
Cooling water bathes the control rods and fuel bundles of a nuclear reactor to remove excess heat generated during fission. It helps regulate the temperature within the reactor core, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation.
For the PWR, the reactor core which is an array of fuel assemblies, inside a very strong pressure vessel made of thick steel. The top of the vessel is removable for fuelling, and also holds the control rods and their mechanisms. The whole thing is enclosed in a secondary containment. Also inside this is the primary circuit which circulates water through the core to carry away the heat produced by the fuel assemblies, and the secondary circuit steam raising units which send steam to the turbine. See link below
The length of time we see fuel rods left in the core of a reactor will depend on the time it takes to deplete the nuclear fuel in those rods. Reactor design, specifically fuel rod design, and the rate at which the fuel is consumed during operation all have an effect. Typical life of the fuel in a nuclear reactor at a power station is several years.
The nuclear fuel is found in the fuel rods. These fuel rods are formed into fuel bundles called fuel assemblies, and together they make up the reactor core.
The nuclear fuel is typically contained in the reactor core, which is a central part of the nuclear reactor where the fission reaction takes place. The fuel rods, which contain the nuclear fuel pellets, are inserted into the reactor core during operation.
The core of the reactor contains the nuclear fuel. Having a moderator in place within the core ensures that the nuclear fuel is processed at an accurate time duration. This can prevent serious problems from occurring within the entire nuclear reactor.
I didnt measure when I had it in hand but I would guess 12cm diameter, and maybe 80 cm long, for a magnox reactor anyway
Nuclear fission takes place in the nuclear fuel rods that are placed in the reactor core that is situated in the reactor pressure vessel. The reactor pressure vessel is usually situated inside the reactor containment.
after the reactor shuts down
Decay heat should be removed from the reactor core as soon as possible after the reactor is shut down to prevent fuel damage. If the heat is not removed, it can cause the fuel to overheat and potentially result in damage to the fuel rods, leading to a meltdown. Cooling systems such as circulating water or coolant are used to remove the decay heat from the reactor core.
Nuclear reactor core
The part of a nuclear reactor in which the fuel is located is called the core. This is where the nuclear fission reactions take place, producing heat that is used to generate electricity.
The core of the nuclear reactor includes:nuclear fuel elements (composed of the fuel meat covered with cladding)reactor coolantreactor moderator (for thermal reactors)control elementsmeasuring instrumentsstructural and support structures
The fuel in a nuclear reactor is located in the fuel rods, which are typically made of materials such as enriched uranium or plutonium. These fuel rods are where the nuclear fission reaction takes place, producing heat that is used to generate electricity.