Reactor Control
The reactor was the first reactor to demonstrate reaction control via control of delayed neutrons, this was more of a function of being one of the very early reactors rather than a special design feature. Control was accomplished by several means. The uranium blanket described above could be raised and lowered. 238U is a good neutron reflector so the position of the blanket controlled the number of neutrons available to the reaction. When the blanket was raised more neutrons were reflected back into the core causing a greater number of fissions and consequently greater power output.
Additionally there were 2 shutdown/control rods composed of natural uranium and boron which was enriched in the boron-10 isotope. 10B is a very effective neutron poison that could be inserted to control and shut down the reaction.
Shutdown of the reactor involved simultaneously dropping the uranium blanket and inserting the two control rods into the center which absorbed neutrons and poisoned the reaction. Up to 20 other holes were available in the core for experimental configurations or additional control or fuel rods.
Read more about this topic: Clementine (nuclear Reactor)
Famous quotes containing the word control:
“There are many things children accept as “grown-up things” over when they have no control and for which they have no responsibility—for instance, weddings, having babies, buying houses, and driving cars. Parents who are separating really need to help their children put divorce on that grown-up list, so that children do not see themselves as the cause of their parents’ decision to live apart.”
—Fred Rogers (20th century)