Reaktorisydämen
Reaktorisydämen, a Finnish term, translates to "reactor core" in English and refers to the central part of a nuclear reactor where nuclear fission occurs. This is the region where the nuclear fuel, typically uranium or plutonium, is housed within fuel assemblies. These assemblies are arranged in a specific configuration designed to sustain a controlled nuclear chain reaction. The core is where the heat generated by fission is produced and then transferred to a coolant, which circulates through the core to remove this heat. The design of the reactor core is crucial for reactor safety and efficiency, influencing factors such as neutron moderation, control rod effectiveness, and heat transfer capabilities. Materials used in the core are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures, radiation, and corrosive environments. The physical dimensions and composition of the reactor core are integral to the overall reactor design and its intended purpose, whether for power generation, research, or other applications.