POWER PLANT ENGINEERING
NUCLEAR REACTOR - OVERVIEW - Mr. S. R. RajKumar, M.Tech A nuclear reactor is a vessel in which a nuclear reaction is carried out and maintained. The purpose of a nuclear reactor is to generate electricity, propel submarines and large ships, district heating systems, for steam powered air craft catapult etc. The principle involved in the functioning of a nuclear reactor is nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of a heavy element is hit by a neutron due to which it breaks into different smaller nuclei. The resulting fragments are not of the same element hence this is a process of nuclear transmutation. Splitting of atoms produces lots of energy in the form of heat. This heat is harnessed using either water or gas and then it is used to generate steam. The generated steam is used to drive the turbines which are used to produce electricity. Components which are common to most types of the nuclear reactors are: Fuel Moderator Con...