MIT Nuclear Reactor

To Whom it May Concern:

Last Tuesday, the class visited MIT, and got a tour of the nuclear reactor there. The nuclear reactor is for research only, and does not power anything. The reactor itself is very small, and only produces 5.9 gigawatts of power when at full operation.

The nuclear reactor at MIT can be classified as a tank-type reactor, which is very similar to the pool-type reactor. The only difference between the two, is that the the tank-type reactor is much smaller and the coolant is more active. The core of a pool-type reactor is comprised of uranium enriched aluminum rods, which are set in a hexagonal structure. The core is then submerged in about 15 feet of water. Among the control rods are six shim blades that control the reaction speed of the core. These blades are boron infused, so as to absorb the neutrons emitted by the core. The nuclear reactor is so small, that at max power output, the temperature of the core is only about 50 C. Water needs 100 C to boil, so the water that is surround the water never boils, or converts to steam. The tank containing the core can be opened, and experiments placed inside. The core is deep enough that the water protects the world from the radiation.

I enjoyed the opportunity to visit an active nuclear research reactor. It gave us a perspective of how nuclear reactors work and operated. Also we got a broad overview of the dangers and safety switches that are put into place. I also learned of the research opportunities that come with the reactor. I also learned about how the reactor made the money to maintain the plant. Using the excess neutrons emitted from the core, the operators would  run almost pure silicon through the reactor, and dope the silicon. This is there main source of profit. Overall, I found the experience very informative and entertaining.

References:

http://world-nuclear.org/info/inf61.html

http://web.mit.edu/nrl/www/reactor/reactor.htm