Nuclear Reactor Introduction and Fuel Cycle

Vocabulary concepts covering neutron cross sections, the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor types (PWR and BWR), and energy production goals.

Cross section

The energy dependent probability of a neutron interaction.

$$1\,MeV$$

The energy level at which the fission interaction probability (cross section) for uranium 235 precipitously drops.

Activation

The process where uranium t 38 ($U-238$) absorbs a thermal neutron and decays through neptunium into plutonium.

$200\,MeV$ per atom

The amount of energy produced by nuclear fission that is utilized to boil water.

Pressurized water reactor (PWR)

A reactor with two loops where the first loop remains at high pressure and high temperature without boiling, while the second loop boils to turn a turbine.

Boiling water reactor (BWR)

A reactor system with only one loop where water is boiled directly in the reactor core to turn a turbine.

Advanced nuclear training

Specialized training required for approximately $5\%$ of the workforce at a nuclear power plant.

$$20\%$$

The current percentage of electricity generated by nuclear power in the United States.

Tripling nuclear energy by $2050$

A worldwide commitment acknowledged by COP 26 and the former administration to transition away from coal and produce electricity greenhouse gas free.

Quintupuling nuclear energy

The target level for nuclear energy production by $2050$ mentioned by the current administration.