In: Physics
Calculate the critical radius of the core of a
spherical thermal reactor moderated by graphite both with and
without (bare) an infinite reflector of graphite to show reflector
savings. The reactor (at room temp.) is fueled with 235U at a
concentration of 4.0 x 10-4 gm/cm3
given concentration that is density = 4 10-4 g / cc
the relation of critical mass and critical radius is
critical mass mc = fuel concentration volume 4 10-4 ( 4 / 3 ) Rc3
critical radius Rc3 ( 3 0.0034 ) / (0.0004 4 ) ( 0.0102 / 0.005024 ) 2.3025477
Rc ( 2.3025477 )1/3 = 1.2662424 cm .