Nuclear Reactor Types

Nuclear reactors may be classified by purpose or use, key components, method of heat extraction, power level or neutron flux, or arrangement of component materials. Commercial reactors are also classified by the companies involved in design and building of the facility. Reactors used for power generation, either heat or electrical, propulsion, whether naval vessels or spacecraft, radioisotope production, materials testing, basic research, and training are discussed. The development of nuclear reactors is presented, including information gleaned from the two principal nuclear accidents of the 1980s. The pressurized lightwater reactor is the most common power generation reactor in the United States, but the boiling water reactor is also used. In Canada, heavy-water reactors are usually employed. These and other reactors, such as the molten salt and the fast breeder reactor, are described. Keywords: Reactor components; Nuclear reactors; Alternative heat sources; Research reactors; Classification; Graphite reactors; High temperature gas-cooled reactors; Chernobyl; Hanford N reactor; Pressurized water; Boiling water; Heavy water; CANDU reactors; training; Savannah River; Fast breeder reactors; Aqueous reactors; Aircraft reactors; Naval reactors; Maritime reactors; Space reactors