Disadvantage Factor and Thermal Utilization

In order that this model be applicable to a particular situation, it is necessary that certain simplifying assumptions and conditions be satisfied. These may be illustrated by means of an example. Suppose that the reactor-core configuration of interest consists of an alternating series of fuel plates (thickness 2a) and 

4 Slowing-down density at thermal froi Fermi age theory. 

There is a uniform source of thermal neutrons over the entire moderator region, but no neutrons become thermalized in the fuel region. The latter statement is reasonable because most fuel nuclei have large mass. 

In concluding the present discussion it is of interest to mention that 

The mathematical problem may be stated in terms of the general relations (5.349) through (5.354). For the present application these may be written 

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