Reactor runaway nuclear

Nuclear Reactor Runaway or Nuclear Detonations A nuclear detonation occurs when fission or fusion rearranges the stmcture of nuclei. Energy in an air detonation of a nuclear device becomes converted into a blast wave, thermal radiation, and nuclear radiation. For a nuclear reactor mnaway, the rate of decomposition is much less than that of a weapon. The likelihood of a mnaway reactor is very low because control systems included in the reactor design prevent such occurrences. 

The basic requirements of a reactor are 1) fissionable material in a geometry that inhibits the escape of neutrons, 2) a high likelihood that neutron capture causes fission, 3) control of the neutron production to prevent a runaway reaction, and 4) removal of the heat generated in operation and after shutdown. The inability to completely turnoff the heat evolution when the chain reaction stops is a safety problem that distinguishes a nuclear reactor from a fossil-fuel burning power plant. 

It is an excellent neutron absorber used to capture neutrons in nuclear reactors to prevent a runaway fission reaction. As the boron rods are lowered into the reactor, they control the rate of fission by absorbing excess neutrons. Boron is also used as an oxygen absorber in the production of copper and other metals,... 

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