- Industry: Government
- Number of terms: 11131
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A process in which some of the neutrons released in one fission event cause other fissions to occur. There are three types of chain reactions: (1) Nonsustaining--An average of less than one fission is produced by the neutrons released by each previous fission (reactor subcriticality); (2) Sustaining--An average of exactly one fission is produced by the neutrons released by each previous fission (reactor criticality); and (3) Multiplying--An average of more than one fission is produced by the neutrons released by previous fission (reactor supercriticality).
Industry:Energy
The release, thermalization, and absorption of fission neutrons by a fissile material and the fission of that material producing a second generation of neutrons. In a typical nuclear power reactor system, there are about 40,000 generations of neutrons every second.
Industry:Energy
The gross maximum dependable capacity of the main generating unit in a nuclear power reactor, minus the amount used to operate the station. Net maximum dependable capacity is measured in watts unless otherwise noted.
Industry:Energy
A measure of the intensity of neutron radiation in neutrons/cm<sup>2</sup>-sec. It is the number of neutrons passing through 1 square centimeter of a given target in 1 second. Expressed as nv, where n = the number of neutrons per cubic centimeter and v = their velocity in centimeters per second.
Industry:Energy
The gross amount of electric energy produced by a generating station, minus the amount used to operate the station. Net generation is usually measured in watthours (Wh).
Industry:Energy
The reaction that occurs when a nucleus captures a neutron. The probability that a given material will capture a neutron is proportional to its neutron capture cross section and depends on the energy of the neutrons and the nature of the material.
Industry:Energy
An uncharged elementary particle, with a mass slightly greater than that of the proton, found in the nucleus of every atom heavier than hydrogen.
Industry:Energy
The steady hourly output that generating equipment is expected to supply to system load, exclusive of auxiliary power, as demonstrated by measurements at the time of peak demand (summer). Net summer capacity is measured in watts unless otherwise noted.
Industry:Energy
The gross amount of electric energy produced by a generating station, minus the amount used to operate the station. Note: Electricity required for pumping at pumped-storage plants is regarded as electricity for station operation and is deducted from gross generation. Net electric generation is measured in watthours (Wh), except as otherwise noted.
Industry:Energy
The ratio of the net electricity generated, for the time considered, to the energy that could have been generated at continuous full-power operation during the same period.
Industry:Energy
