Meaning of prompt criticality | Babel Free
Definitions
The point at which the prompt neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction on their own (the state of being prompt critical); past this point, changes in reaction power are controlled by changes in the prompt neutron flux, and occur on a timeframe of milliseconds, too rapidly to be controlled by mechanical means.
Examples
“The system is thought to have⟳ approached prompt criticality, at which time the rate of power increase⟳ would have⟳ been determined by the neutron lifetime (on the order⟳ of milliseconds).”
CEFR level
B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free