(o)unit 3 general features of nuclear reactor课件.pptVIP

;*;*;*; A device in which nuclear fission energy is released in a controlled manner is called a nuclear reactor. In other words, the system in which a controlled, self-sustaining fission chain reaction takes place is called a nuclear reactor(49); A reactor consists of an active core in which the fission chain is sustained and in which most of the energy of fission is released as heat. (50); The core contains the nuclear fuel, consisting of a fissile nuclide and usually a fertile material in addition. (51); The function of the moderator is to slow down the high-energy neutrons liberated in the fission reactions. mainly as a result of elastic scattering reactions. The best moderators are materials consisting of elements of low mass number with little tendency to capture neutrons; examples are ordinary water, heavy water (deuterium oxide), beryllium, beryllium oxide, and carbon (as graphite). (52); The purpose of the reflector is to decrease the loss of neutrons from the core by scattering back many of those which have escaped. Hence, the use of a reflector results in a decrease in the critical mass of the fissile nuclide. (53); The heat generated in the reactor core is removed by circulation of a suitable coolant, such as ordinary (light) water, heavy water, liquid sodium (or sodium-potassium alloy), air, and helium etc.(54); The rate of heat generation in a reactor core is proportional to the nuclear fission rate and this is determined by the neutron density, i.e., the number of neutrons per unit volume .(55); The reactor control, including startup, power operation, and shutdown, is thus achieved by varying the neutron density in the core and generally done by moving control rods.(56); Since two or three neutrons are liberated in each of fission whereas only one is required to maintain a fission chain, it would seem that once the fission reaction were initiated in a given mass of fissile material, it would readily sustain itself.(57); However, such is not the case