Continuously variable nuclear reactor control element - formed by a neutron absorbing spring spanning the reactor core

摘要

An adjustable nuclear reactor control element is in the form of a spring with coils made of a material which absorbs a proportion of incident thermal neutrons. The spring spans the reactor core and terminates outside it. The amt. of neutron absorption can be varied by feeding coils of the spring into or out of the core. The activity of the reactor can be continuously controlled over a large range. The element absorbs neutrons uniformly over its whole length without anomalous end effects.