Nuclear reactors: Some basic considerations

The production of energy, isotopes, and fissionable material in nuclear reactors is described both verbally and mathematically. The interrelation between raw materials, the use of convertible isotopes, and the limitations on structural materials is discussed. Though, at first glance, the equations may seem abstruse, such analysis must be studied by engineers who desire a working knowledge of nucleonics. This is the eighth in a series of articles developed by the AIEE nucleonics committee; the entire series will be published in pamphlet form upon its completion.