On Friday 11/6 we had the opportunity to tour the nuclear reactor laboratory on the campus of MIT. Upon arriving we were all assigned a special monitor that measure the amount of radiation we were being exposed to while we were inside the reactor building. We were then given a very informative power point presentation about what exactly goes on inside the nuclear reactor. We learned how the process of fission was created and used to perform experiments and produce energy within the reactor. Before the walking tour of the reactor, we were given a visual tour and representation of how the reactor worked and how the different pieces and precautions were implemented into the reactor. Although nuclear reactors can be used to create energy, we learned that the MIT reactor was specifically used for experimental purposes only.

Inside the core of the reactor, there were 27 slots within a hexagonal tube where fuel or experiments were placed to observe. Around each side of the hexagonal tube, there were 6 blades being held in place by electromagnets that are used to shut off the experiments in under 1 second. These blades keep the core from overheating and combusting if there was ever a problem or a loss of power. If the blades are needed they are released by the electromagnets and keep the heat generated by the fission process from getting out of the core to eliminate the possibility of over heating and creating a disaster like the one in Fukushima Daiichi.

Under the reactor core itself, the control room was where everything was monitored and kept in check. All the bells and whistles gave the technician the capability to control everything that goes on within the confines of the reactor. Throughout the reactor, radiation monitors are placed on the walls to ensure the safety of those inside from being exposed to too much radiation. Each monitor is then connected to the control room where the radiation levels are displayed. Inside the control room, there are many buttons and monitors that were used to keep the reactor and the scientists safe when the reactor was in use and experiments were being done.