Control Rods
| Formula / Notation | ¹⁰B + n → ⁷Li + ⁴He |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Neutron absorber rods, reactor control rods, absorber rods, SCRAM rods |
What is Control Rods?
Control rods are neutron-absorbing rods inserted into a nuclear reactor to regulate the rate of the fission chain reaction. Made of materials with high neutron-absorption cross-sections such as boron, cadmium, or hafnium, they are raised to increase the reaction rate and lowered to decrease it or shut down the reactor. Control rods are essential safety components.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Neutron absorber rods, reactor control rods, absorber rods, SCRAM rods
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Control rods are neutron-absorbing rods inserted into a nuclear reactor to regulate the rate of the fission chain reaction. Made of materials with high neutron-absorption cross-sections such as boron, cadmium, or hafnium, they are raised to increase the reaction rate and lowered to decrease it or shut down the reactor. Control rods are essential safety components.
Control rods are essential safety and operational components in all fission nuclear reactors (PWR, BWR, CANDU, research reactors). They allow operators to start up, maintain steady-state, and shut down reactors safely. Their design is critical to reactor safety analysis.
Failure to insert control rods rapidly (as occurred at Chernobyl) can result in catastrophic power excursion. Control rod mechanisms must be fail-safe and regularly inspected. Materials must withstand intense neutron bombardment and heat. Spent control rod materials are radioactive waste.
The formula or notation for Control Rods is: ¹⁰B + n → ⁷Li + ⁴He