Question

a) State the simple relationship between neutron energy loss and nuclei atomic weight for direct hit collisions in nuclear reactors.
b) Suggest how this is relevant to materials selection for a range of components in both thermal and fast breeder reactors.

Answer 1

Answers : a) In direct hit collision in nuclear reactors the maximum fraction of a neutron energy that can be lost in a collision with nuclei of atomic weight decreases. For the neutron has mass m = 1,the atomic weight decreases for M ≠ 1.

           b) For fast breeder reactors, the selected materials should possess resistance to void swelling ,irradiation creep and helium embrittlement and good compatibility with sodium ,fuel and fission products.For thermal low neutron absorption coefficient,minimum interaction with the fuel pellet.