Nuclear reactor

Nuclear Reactor

A Nuclear reactor is a device used to initiate and control a self-sustained nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear reactors are used at nuclear power plants for electricity generation and in nuclear marine propulsion. Heat from nuclear fission is passed to a working fluid (water or gas), which in turn runs through steam turbines. These either drive a ship's propellers or turn electrical generators' shafts.

History

The first nuclear reactor was constructed in 1942 at the University of Chicago by Enrico Fermi. The reactor was called Chicago Pile-1 and was used to demonstrate a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

Types of Nuclear Reactors

There are several types of nuclear reactors, including:

• Pressurized water reactor (PWR)
• Boiling water reactor (BWR)
• Heavy water reactor (HWR)
• Graphite-moderated reactor
• Fast neutron reactor (FNR)

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process that fuels a nuclear reactor. In this process, the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller fragments by a neutron. This process releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.

Safety and Accidents

Safety is a critical concern in the operation of nuclear reactors. Accidents can release harmful radiation into the environment. Notable nuclear accidents include the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

See Also

• Nuclear power
• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear safety
• Nuclear technology

References

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