Reactor Kinetics Flashcards
1
Q
Why is xenon a particularly important fission product
A
It have a very high thermal neutron absorption cross section this can have a particularly adverse effect on reactivity (hence its known as a reactor poison)
2
Q
How to find the rate at which neutrons are absorbed
A
Multiply the macroscopic absorption cross section by the flux
3
Q
How do you convert microscopic to macroscopic fission cross sections
A
Multiply by the number of atoms (nuclei) per unit volume
4
Q
What is transmutation of Xe- 135
A
When it captures/absorbs a neutron to become Xe-136
5
Q
What is the definition of the poisoning effect of xe (the effect on the reactivity)
A
Neutron loss rate due to xe-135 / total neutron production rate
