Reactor Control

• On average, want k=1

  • k<1, reactor shutdown
  • k>1, divergent

• Reactor period T=l/(k-1)

  • e.g. k=1.001
    • 12C: l=10-3sec, T=1 sec
    • H2O: l=10-4sec, T=0.1 sec
    • Fast: l=10-8sec, T=10-5 sec

• How to achieve stability?

  • Design so k=1. Chicago k=1.0006
  • Change in moderator density
    • Water -> Steam
    • Carbon -> Expansion

Notes: