System used to initiate, maintain and control a fissionSee 'nuclear fission'. chain reactionSelf-perpetuating reaction. In a fission chain reaction, a f... (chain reactionSelf-perpetuating reaction. In a fission chain reaction, a f...). The main part is a corePart of the nuclear reactor where the fission chain reaction... with fissile nuclear fuelIn accordance with the definition of the German Atomic Energ.... In general, a reactor is equipped with a moderatorMaterial used to "decelerate" fast neutrons to low energies,..., a shield and control devices. Reactors are built for research or power generation purposes. Reactors where the chain reactionSelf-perpetuating reaction. In a fission chain reaction, a f... is maintained by thermal neutrons (see neutrons, thermalNeutrons in thermal equilibrium with the ambient medium. The...) are called thermal reactors; if the chain reactionSelf-perpetuating reaction. In a fission chain reaction, a f... is maintained by fast neutrons, one refers to fast reactors. The first reactor was put into operation on 2nd December 1942 by a group of researchers headed by Enrico Fermi. (See pressurized water reactorPower reactor in which the heat is dissipated from the core ..., boiling water reactorNuclear reactor with water as a coolant and as a moderator, ...).
