Fermi's controlled nuclear reaction
- Fermi realised that every time a fission reaction occurred, 3 neutrons would be released.
- As only one neutron is required to start a reaction, this could cause a chain reaction and release a lot of energy.
- However, if not all of the neutrons caused reactions, and some were absorbed, a chain reaction could be controlled.
- In 1942, Fermi placed 22000 slugs of Uranium (50 tonnes worth) in an atomic pile in a squash field at Staggs Field, Chicago.
- He then inserted 40000 graphite bricks (400 tonnes worth) inside the pile as a moderator.
- Cadmium control rods were also used to control the reaction.
- He eventually found that his reaction was successful, and could self-sustainably generate 0.5 Watts of power.
page revision: 0, last edited: 03 Nov 2011 11:40